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
A little over 1 kg, these porro prism binoculars are heavier than some and, correspondingly, harder to hold for long periods of time.
—
Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026
Certain that Ingres had used something optical to achieve that quality, Hockney bought himself a camera lucida, a small device that works like a prism.
—Barbara Isenberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
The series, which premiered at the Berlinale Series Market in February, delves into the frontlines of the water crisis through the prism of how women are leading the fight to protect and defend water.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 11 June 2026
The modern football world, though, will have a particular interest in this latest case through the prism of Manchester City’s 115 charges from the Premier League.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026
Certain that Ingres had used something optical to achieve that quality, Hockney bought himself a camera lucida, a small device that works like a prism.
—Barbara Isenberg, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
The series, which premiered at the Berlinale Series Market in February, delves into the frontlines of the water crisis through the prism of how women are leading the fight to protect and defend water.
—Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 11 June 2026
The modern football world, though, will have a particular interest in this latest case through the prism of Manchester City’s 115 charges from the Premier League.
—Matt Slater, New York Times, 10 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.
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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