1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
a
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
b
: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially
: one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
4
: a medium that distorts, slants, or colors whatever is viewed through it
Examples of prism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Using a technique called spectroscopy, scientists can split the infrared light from stars and galaxies into different colors, similar to how sunlight hitting a prism separates into a rainbow of visible hues.
—
Denise Chow, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Her time in federal prison provides her with a unique ability to evaluate clemency petitions and incarceration policies through the prism of redemption.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Jackets and pants are rendered through the same prism as the designer’s fall 2024 workwear, with softened silhouettes and a futuristic asymmetry.
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The allure of her newfound status and authority becomes a troublesome prism through which to view an unjust world.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Denise Chow, NBC News, 26 Feb. 2025
Her time in federal prison provides her with a unique ability to evaluate clemency petitions and incarceration policies through the prism of redemption.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 26 Feb. 2025
Jackets and pants are rendered through the same prism as the designer’s fall 2024 workwear, with softened silhouettes and a futuristic asymmetry.
—Marissa Muller, WWD, 15 Jan. 2025
The allure of her newfound status and authority becomes a troublesome prism through which to view an unjust world.
—Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 9 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prism
noun1
: a polyhedron with two opposite ends that are parallel polygons and faces that are each parallelograms
2
: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors
Medical Definition
prism
noun1
: a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms
2
: a transparent body that is bounded in part by two nonparallel plane faces and is used to refract or disperse a beam of light
3
: a crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis
especially
: one whose faces are parallel to the vertical axis
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