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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Those digits must surface on the football field in an era when the College Football Playoff has become the prism through which success in intercollegiate sports is judged.
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Filtered through the prism of Iraq’s many media outlets that are linked to militias supported by Iran, the highway deal has become seen here as a conspiracy by the United States and Israel to occupy the country.
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The actuator adjusts the prism to compensate for shaky hand movement.
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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