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
But then talking about fagginess or butchness, that helps make a prism, rather than saying trans is all one thing.
—
El Hardwick, Them., 23 Oct. 2025
However, prism displays are bulky and make the glasses difficult to see through.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
That includes possible options in refereeing and looking at player health through the prism of female athletes.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Penn’s relationship to the lens — and the curious eyes watching through it — is a prism into the off-screen forces that shaped his early life.
—Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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El Hardwick, Them., 23 Oct. 2025
However, prism displays are bulky and make the glasses difficult to see through.
—PC Magazine, 17 Oct. 2025
That includes possible options in refereeing and looking at player health through the prism of female athletes.
—Mike Vorkunov, New York Times, 1 Oct. 2025
Penn’s relationship to the lens — and the curious eyes watching through it — is a prism into the off-screen forces that shaped his early life.
—Sophie Ansari, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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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