prism

noun

ˈpri-zəm How to pronounce prism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And seeing each other through the prism of art is both of their infrastructure. — Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 27 June 2026 If that fails, individual, sharpened crystal prisms can be deployed on command. — Dahlia Gallin Ramirez, New Yorker, 9 June 2026 A little over 1 kg, these porro prism binoculars are heavier than some and, correspondingly, harder to hold for long periods of time. — Chris McMullen, Space.com, 15 June 2026 And there were several unmistakable trends that emerged, and are relevant to consider through the prism of this rebuilding exercise the Canucks are now engaged in. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for prism

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of prism was in 1570

Rhymes for prism

See All Rhymes for prism

Browse Nearby Words

prisiadka
prism
prismal
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

prism

noun
ˈpriz-əm How to pronounce prism (audio)
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 How to pronounce prism (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on prism

Nglish: Translation of prism for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about prism

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