prism

Latin prisma, from Ancient Greek πρίσμα (prísma, “something sawed”), from πρίζω (prízō, “to saw”).

• Audio (US)

  (file)

• IPA^(key): /ˈpɹɪz(ə)m/, [ˈpʰɹ̠̊ɪzm̩]
• Rhymes: -ɪzəm

prism (plural prisms)

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.
4. (figurative) A perspective that colors one's perception.
   • 2023 June 10, Phil McNulty, “Manchester City 1 - 0 Inter Milan”, in BBC Sport‎:

     It is a simple fact that many outside the Abu Dhabi-owned club will always view their triumph through the prism of the charges of 115 financial breaches brought against them by the Premier League, charges they fiercely deny.

• (geometry): prismatoid

• cylinder

• → Japanese: プリズム (purizumu)
• → Korean: 프리즘 (peurijeum)
• → Thai: ปริซึม (bprí-sʉ̂m)

• prims