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
The snappy Trump-voter video went viral, helping Mamdani introduce himself to voters through the prism of policy.
—
Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
Advocacy organizations from the various ends of the political spectrum interpreted Hegar's numbers through the prism of their own worldviews.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Doing so, Cohn and Duprat return to their hallmark mode of psychological satire, filtered through a customary comedy-drama prism.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2025
So in scrutinizing what is going on in the ongoing conference finals, perhaps the most significant prism of one of a big-two prism.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Mark Chiusano, Time, 14 Aug. 2025
Advocacy organizations from the various ends of the political spectrum interpreted Hegar's numbers through the prism of their own worldviews.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 30 July 2025
Doing so, Cohn and Duprat return to their hallmark mode of psychological satire, filtered through a customary comedy-drama prism.
—John Hopewell, Variety, 19 June 2025
So in scrutinizing what is going on in the ongoing conference finals, perhaps the most significant prism of one of a big-two prism.
—Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 20 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
prism
noun1
: 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
noun1
: 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
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