prism

noun

ˈpri-zəm 

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

Owned by the University of Arkansas, the 210-acre botanical paradise is home to landscaped grounds, outdoor sculptures, and the breathtaking Anthony Chapel (a timber-and-glass structure that rises among the trees and filters sunlight like a prism). —Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 2 Sep. 2025

Whereas China views the Dalai Lama’s succession question through the cold lens of realpolitik and statecraft, Tibetans see it through the cosmic prism of devotion and spiritual meaning. —Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025

Envisioned by famed architect Jean-Paul Viguier, the 32-floor building resembling a glassy prism dramatically cuts into the Chicago skyline. —Katie Chang, Forbes.com, 31 Aug. 2025

The projector-prism assemblies of the display modules sit behind the plate, flanking the adjustable rubber nosepads on wire arms. —PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin prismat-, prisma, from Greek, literally, anything sawn, from priein to saw

First Known Use

1570, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prism

• abolitionism
• aldosteronism
• americanism
• anticommunism
• antisemitism
• antiterrorism
• bioterrorism
• colloquialism
• colonialism
• consequentialism
• contextualism
• conventionalism

Kids Definition

prism

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

1

: 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

noun

ˈpriz-əm 

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