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 prism was found near an archaeological site outside of the city of Piatra Neamt, on the plateau of Bâtca Doamnei, officials said at the time.
—
Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 21 June 2024
Like the Utah monolith, the Romanian monolith is a vast triangular prism, 10 to 12 feet tall.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 18 June 2024
The common grackle and many shimmering hummingbirds display iridescence like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow.
—Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
Technology is a good prism through which to understand the challenge.
—Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for prism 
Leah Sarnoff, ABC News, 21 June 2024
Like the Utah monolith, the Romanian monolith is a vast triangular prism, 10 to 12 feet tall.
—Constance Grady, Vox, 18 June 2024
The common grackle and many shimmering hummingbirds display iridescence like the way a prism splits light into a rainbow.
—Karina Zaiets, USA TODAY, 27 Apr. 2024
Technology is a good prism through which to understand the challenge.
—Fareed Zakaria, Washington Post, 14 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for prism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'prism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.
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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