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

Similar in design to a telescope, the spectroscope worked like a super-powered prism, dispersing light into measurable wavelengths. — Chris Stirewalt, Fox News, "Nuggets from the passing parade," 17 Aug. 2018 No pigment is involved; its special glossy finish, enabled by nanotechnology, refracts light, like a prism. — Judith H. Dobrzynski, WSJ, "‘Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color’ Review: Vibrant From Any Angle," 26 May 2018 Each water droplet behaves like a small prism, refracting the light and reflecting it back to our eyes. — Megan Arnett, Scientific American, "Make Your Own Rainbow," 26 Apr. 2018 For the most part, hair is left untouched, except for a tiny section, which is dyed to look like a prism. — Erika Stalder, refinery29.com, ""Baby Rainbow" Hair Is The Coolest Festival Trend We've Seen," 22 Mar. 2018 Instead, Mouret has chosen to honestly see his past through the prism of the present. — Mark Holgate, Vogue, "Roland Mouret’s New Book About His Life and Work Brings His Past Right Here Into the Present," 6 Nov. 2018 The State Department also appears to have evaluated the export controls on small caliber firearms only through the prism of whether restricting foreign access would provide the United States with a military or intelligence advantage. — Cyrus Farivar, Ars Technica, "Judge allows temporary ban on 3D-printed gun files to continue," 27 Aug. 2018 Europeans still tend to view China—and Asia more broadly—through the prism of trade and investment. — Jamie Fly, WSJ, "A Deal for Trump and Juncker," 24 July 2018 So, there’s something about having the prism of 1987. — Eric Johnson, Recode, "‘The Front Runner’ director Jason Reitman says technology has taught today’s young people how to be great filmmakers," 1 Nov. 2018

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.