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

Later in the shoot, the red shadow is gone, replaced by a delicate wash of gold on the lids and a mesmerizing, prismatic deep brown and gold glossy lip. —Kara Nesvig, Allure, 2 May 2024

Pouch and prismatic cells can be packed closely together, but because cylindrical cells were already being mass-produced for portable electronics, Tesla was able to make lower-cost EVs in the 2010s. —Wesley Chang, The Conversation, 5 Apr. 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