prism Hear it!

prism Definition

prism (priz′əm)

noun

  1. Geom. a solid figure whose ends are parallel, polygonal, and equal in size and shape, and whose sides are parallelograms
  2. a crystalline body whose lateral faces meet at edges that are parallel to each other
  3. anything that refracts light, as a drop of water
  4. Optics
    1. a transparent body, as of glass, whose ends are equal and parallel triangles, and whose three sides are parallelograms: used for refracting or dispersing light, as into the spectrum
    2. any similar body of three or more sides

Etymology: LL prisma < Gr, lit., something sawed < prizein, to saw < priein, to saw, bite; ? akin to Alb prish, (I) destroy, break

prism Synonyms

prism

n.

  1. A stone

    crystal, pebble, gem; see rock 2, stone.

  2. A refractor

    optical instrument, kaleidoscope, spectroscope, spectrometer; see crystal.

prism Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • race: Every issue of resource allocation is thereby seen through the prism of race.
  • medium: Seen through the prism of the media these issues have converged.

Converse of object

distort: We're sick of seeing all of this through the distorting prism of the mass media.

Adjective modifier

  • hexagonal: A quartz crystal is made up of a hexagonal prism, topped by a hexagonal pyramid.
  • triangular: H Describe how white light can be dispersed by a triangular prism.
  • coated: All models have the benefit of multi-coated optics and phase coated prisms for extra brightness and clarity.
  • tidal: Flow ratio: The ratio of river flow per tidal cycle to the tidal prism.
  • rectangular: A 3 4 5 rectangular prism can be made from the 3-dimensional pentominoes.
  • second: The colored rays of light entered this second prism and a single ray of white light emerged.

Modifies a noun

  • binoculars: These compact, 10 x 25, roof prism binoculars have integral white light filters making solar observations safe.
  • dioptre: Using the table below, the program will give 1 prism dioptre deviation for each percentage movement upon the screen.
  • chipset: The Prism chipset is a 2.4 GHz Direct Sequence modem offering 1 and 2 Mb/s.
  • adaptation: Prism adaptation commonly occurs in patients with normal binocular vision.
  • lens: Recent highly positive results from brief adaptation training with prism lenses are discussed.
  • assembly: The photos show how access is gained to the prism assembly.

Noun used with modifier

  • porro: Prices are typically £ 50 to £ 250, the reverse porro prism generally being cheaper than the roof prism type.
  • enamel: A recognizable unit of structure in enamel is the enamel prism.
  • quartz: In addition to a common White system three quartz prisms are set up near the front mirror to work as reflectors.
  • roof: These are almost without exception of the roof prism design.
  • glass: The color of light A glass prism will split white light into a spectrum of colors.