Main Entry: prism

Pronunciation: \ˈpri-zəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

Date: 1570

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