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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Henrik Larsson's career is often viewed through the prism of the relative standing of Scottish football. Carl Anka, New York Times, 16 May 2025 That folk tradition reflects the feelings of the present through the prism of the past. Jake Goodrick, Sacbee.com, 15 May 2025 The first season American Sports Story, a franchise set to re-examine a prominent event involving a sports figure through the prism of today’s world and told from multiple perspectives, focused on the former New England Patriots player Aaron Hernandez. Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 13 May 2025 Cheap models usually only last a few years, as the prisms and lenses can become dislodged. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 12 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for prism

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prism was in 1570

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 29 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

prism

noun
1
: 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

noun
1
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on prism

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