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, over the years, there were other aspects of the Monroe Doctrine, including an assertion that the United States would see events in the hemisphere through the prism of its own security interests.
—
Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025
But viewing those threats through the prism of great-power competition has led some observers to present China as an existential danger on par with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
The exhibition pays homage to major historical periods, inviting visitors to rediscover the Louvre’s artifacts through the prism of contemporary designers.
—Lisa Klaassen and Serene Nourrisson, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
The building opened in 1902 and measures 285 feet tall with a steel frame and distinct prism shape.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
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Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 28 Jan. 2025
But viewing those threats through the prism of great-power competition has led some observers to present China as an existential danger on par with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
—Michael Brenes, Foreign Affairs, 28 Jan. 2025
The exhibition pays homage to major historical periods, inviting visitors to rediscover the Louvre’s artifacts through the prism of contemporary designers.
—Lisa Klaassen and Serene Nourrisson, CNN, 26 Jan. 2025
The building opened in 1902 and measures 285 feet tall with a steel frame and distinct prism shape.
—Ars Technica, 23 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for prism
Dictionary Entries Near prism
Cite this Entry
“Prism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prism. Accessed 16 Feb. 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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