prismatic

adjective

pris·​mat·​ic priz-ˈma-tik 

1

: relating to, resembling, or constituting a prism

2

a

: formed by a prism

b

: resembling the colors formed by refraction of light through a prism

prismatic effects

3

: highly colored : brilliant

prismatic lyrics

4

: having such symmetry that a general form with faces cutting all axes at unspecified intercepts is a prism

prismatic crystals

prismatically

priz-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Synonyms

• chromatic
• colored
• colorful
• kaleidoscopic
• motley
• multicolored
• multihued
• polychromatic
• polychrome
• rainbow
• varicolored
• varied
• variegated
• various

Examples of prismatic in a Sentence

with its prismatic plumage, the ruby-throated hummingbird is one of our garden's most prized visitors

Recent Examples on the Web

Here clearly wants to offer a prismatic look at a tapestry of human experience. —Alison Willmore, Vulture, 31 Oct. 2024

But when Rubin came aboard, Coppola started to lean away from the biological design into more of the shape language where modern architecture is headed (prismatic, rigid, linear). —Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 4 Oct. 2024

Designed with weight-reducing features, such as the thinning of small fan ribs and prismatic cuts on larger ribs, the fan remains light and easy to handle while retaining structural integrity. —New Atlas, 7 Oct. 2024

This non-stick formula is lightweight on the skin and the prismatic pigment ensures that your lips always capture some sparkle in the light. —Mia Meltzer, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1668, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

prismatic

adjective

pris·​mat·​ic priz-ˈmat-ik 

1

: relating to, resembling, or constituting a prism

2

: formed by a prism

3

: having such symmetry that a general form with faces cutting all axes at unspecified intercepts is a prism

prismatic crystals