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
The spectrograph breaks down far-ultraviolet light emitted by a material into its component wavelengths, similar to what a prism does with visible light, creating a spectrum that scientists can analyze.
—
Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Like Apple, Meta also plans to provide a protective case that's shaped like a prism and folds upward.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
The trade-off is a much lower resolution, a smaller field of view, and very limited color compared with prism projection systems.
—PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025
In fact, according to Stanley, the prism effect on each tumbler means that each piece is completely unique.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for prism
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Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Like Apple, Meta also plans to provide a protective case that's shaped like a prism and folds upward.
—Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 2 Apr. 2025
The trade-off is a much lower resolution, a smaller field of view, and very limited color compared with prism projection systems.
—PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025
In fact, according to Stanley, the prism effect on each tumbler means that each piece is completely unique.
—Chaunie Brusie, Rn, Parents, 12 Mar. 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 3 May. 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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