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
That last part depends on which prism is being looked through.
—
Tim Ellis, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Viewed through that prism, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump appear to offer distinct foreign policy visions that spring from very different worldviews.
—Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024
Like many in Mexico, Fernando Trejo Reyes, 49, sees his personal financial situation through the prism of the U.S.-Mexican economic relationship.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
American Sports Story will re-examine a prominent event involving a sports figure through the prism of today’s world and will tell the story from multiple perspectives.
—Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prism 
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Tim Ellis, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024
Viewed through that prism, Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump appear to offer distinct foreign policy visions that spring from very different worldviews.
—Howard Lafranchi, The Christian Science Monitor, 30 Oct. 2024
Like many in Mexico, Fernando Trejo Reyes, 49, sees his personal financial situation through the prism of the U.S.-Mexican economic relationship.
—Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 29 Oct. 2024
American Sports Story will re-examine a prominent event involving a sports figure through the prism of today’s world and will tell the story from multiple perspectives.
—Nicole Fell, The Hollywood Reporter, 16 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prism
Dictionary Entries Near prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.
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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