prism

noun

\ ˈpri-zəm

Definition of prism

1 : a polyhedron with two polygonal faces lying in parallel planes and with the other faces parallelograms

2a : 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 Through the prism of a national sigh of relief, he appropriately is being celebrated as a pioneer who has swung through derisions, defeats and personal demons to fashion a career highlighted by his comeback victory in the 2019 Masters. — Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, "Column: Tiger Woods escaped with his life. We escaped from our grief," 23 Feb. 2021 The study’s findings have implications not only for the courts, but for human-resource departments, schools — everywhere, said Kaiser, who also analyzed the research results through the prism of civil-rights law. — Nicole Brodeur, chicagotribune.com, "People are more likely to believe sexual harassment claims from women who are ‘conventionally attractive,’ study says," 22 Feb. 2021 Cassie play out a quest for revenge through the prism of what’s typically dismissed as girly escapism. — Jackson Mchenry, Vulture, "Promising Young Woman," 2 Feb. 2021 Also, China’s system of ethnic apartheid and persecution doesn’t fit the identity politics prism that sees bigotry as a uniquely white problem. — Jonah Goldberg, chicagotribune.com, "Column: A Cold War approach won’t work with China," 18 Dec. 2020 The Slender Spoon is available in four sizes, from 1/16- to 5/16-ounce, with either silver, gold, nickel, or copper finishes and holographic prism accents. — Mark Modoski, Field & Stream, "The 20 Best Ice Fishing Lures Ever," 25 Jan. 2021 Perhaps the most ironic debasement of the idea of conservatism is seen through the prism of environmentalism. — New York Times, "Punctuated Poetry and Other Letters to the Editor," 15 Jan. 2021 This is a history of Western civilization viewed through the prism of a glass of claret, minus the wars and boring treaties, but full of culture, commerce, art, literature and religion. — Washington Post, "Crack open the best 2020 wine books for rich history, international politics and a vintner’s lively memoir," 11 Dec. 2020 So, there has been a huge shift in the prism through which the world sees the Chinese Communist Party, and there has begun an awakening. — David M. Drucker, Washington Examiner, "Pompeo urges future US foreign policy be made through 'filter' of China threat," 15 Dec. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'prism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.