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

That combination of price, image quality, and convenience earns the Viture Pro 2 our Editors' Choice award for affordable prism-display smart glasses. — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 6 Aug. 2026

The site is equal parts art installation and scientific feat, consisting of an empty white space that fills with rainbows each day as the sun shines through 12 large prisms in the building’s apses. — Cailey Rizzo, Travel + Leisure, 2 Aug. 2026

Built as a private residence by architect Walter Thomas Brooks and his family, the structure stands out for its prism-like exterior and a site plan that makes the lot part garden, part rugged hillside stage with Bay views. — David Caraccio updated July 30, Sacbee.com, 30 July 2026

Something is about to be born through the prism of your unique perspective—something that could probably never occur in anyone else’s mind. — Steph Koyfman, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 July 2026

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