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 lightb : 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
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Recent Examples of prism from the Web
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Marfa slow-carb normcore VHS brooklyn four loko palo santo narwhal cardigan hella skateboard prism disrupt.
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Through the prism of Brooks’ relationship with his father, who has been coaching him for 10 years, was spotlighted.
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A rendering of the design shows people lounging on the boulders as the prisms glisten in the sunlight.
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Asked about the statement from the governor's office, Rep. Andy Harris said Hogan is viewing things from the state's perspective but that Congress needs to look at the issue through the prism of the federal government.
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Of course all the seductive dreaminess of these songs and the orbs, prisms, starry skies and spaceships around them cannot obscure their depth.
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The summer of '67 is remembered through a prism of thoughts, experiences and beliefs that are not one size fits all.
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CHUCK TODD: David Brooks, a lot of people are probably looking at it in Washington through the prism of his Russian problems, and all this stuff with the president.
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CHUCK TODD: David Brooks, a lot of people are probably looking at it in Washington through the prism of his Russian problems, and all this stuff with the president.
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.
Origin and Etymology of prism
Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw
PRISM Defined for English Language Learners
prism
playDefinition of prism for English Language Learners
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: a transparent glass or plastic object that usually has three sides and that separates the light that passes through it into different colors
PRISM Defined for Kids
prism
playDefinition of prism for Students
: a transparent object that usually has three sides and bends light so that it breaks up into rainbow colors
Medical Dictionary
prism
playMedical Definition of prism
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
Learn More about prism
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See words that rhyme with prism Spanish Central: Translation of prism Nglish: Translation of prism for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prism
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