What does "prism" mean?
A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; An object having the shape of a geometrical prism (sense 1).
Prism
/ˈpɹɪz(ə)m/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; An object having the shape of a geometrical prism (sense 1).
- Grammar: prism is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: optical prism, achromatic lens, astigmatic lens, burning glass.
- Useful contrasts: pyramids.
- Usage evidence: Light is resolved by a prism into seven colors.
How to use "prism"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "prism" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "prism" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "prism" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "prism" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "prism" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "optical prism" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "prism", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; An object having the shape of a geometrical prism (sense 1).
- 2 optical device having a triangular shape and made of glass or quartz; used to deviate a beam or invert an image wordnet
- 3 A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; A cutting (“open passage at a level lower than the surrounding terrain, dug for a canal, railway, or road to go through”) or an embankment shaped like a prism (sense 1) or a number of prisms, such that its volume can be easily calculated.
- 4 a polyhedron with two congruent and parallel faces (the bases) and whose lateral faces are parallelograms wordnet
- 5 A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; A crystal in which the faces are parallel to the vertical axis.
Show 4 more definitions
- 6 A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; A transparent block in the shape of a prism (sense 1), typically with triangular ends, used to reflect or refract light.
"[page 13] One of theſe Parts [of a piece of black paper] I painted vvith a red Colour and the other vvith a blevv. […] This Paper I vievved through a Priſm of ſolid Glaſs, vvhoſe tvvo Sides through vvhich the Light paſſed to the Eye vvere plane and vvell poliſhed, and contained an Angle of about Sixty Degrees: vvhich Angle I call the refracting Angle of the Priſm. […] [page 17] Theſe Experiments may ſuffice for the Colours of Natural Bodies. For in the Colours made by the Refraction of Priſms this Propoſition vvill appear by the Experiments vvhich are novv to follovv in the next Propoſition."
- 7 A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same polygonal shape and size, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.; A transparent block in the shape of a prism (sense 1), typically with triangular ends, used to reflect or refract light.; A spectrum produced by light being refracted through a prism. archaic
"The beams, that thro' the Oriel shine, / Make prisms in every carven glass, […]"
- 8 A retroreflector (“device which reflects light back to its source with minimal scattering”) which is usually attached to a surveying pole as a target for a total station which emits a light beam at the device and calculates how long it takes to be reflected back in order to measure distance. broadly
- 9 A perspective that colours one's perception. figuratively
"I had surveyed the landscape through the prism of poetry, which tinged every object with the hues of the rainbow."
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"Light is resolved by a prism into seven colors."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "prism"?
Common synonyms include: optical prism, achromatic lens, astigmatic lens, burning glass, camera, coated lens.
How do you use "prism" in a sentence?
Light is resolved by a prism into seven colors.
How do you pronounce "prism"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɪz(ə)m/.
Etymology
Learned borrowing from Late Latin prisma (“(geometry) prism”), from Ancient Greek πρίσμᾰ (prísmă, “anything sawn; sawdust; (Koine, geometry) prism”), from πρῐ́ζω (prĭ́zō) (a variant of πρῑ́ω (prī́ō, “to saw”), further etymology unknown) + -μᾰ (-mă, suffix forming neuter nouns denoting the effect or result of an action, etc.).