Prism

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pɹɪzm/
• Rhymes: -ɪzm
• Rhymes: -ɪzÉ™m

Origin

Late Latin prisma, from Ancient Greek πρίσμα (prisma, "something sawed"), from πρίζειν (prizein, "to saw").

Full definition of prism

Noun

1. (geometry) A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same size and shape, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.
2. A transparent block in the shape of a prism (typically with triangular ends), used to split or reflect light.
3. A crystal in which the faces are parallel to the vertical axis.

Derived terms