prism
/prism/
Definition
- Noun:
- A transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light: A prism is typically a solid geometric figure made of glass or other transparent material, with at least two faces that are not parallel. It is used to disperse light into its constituent spectral colors or to change the direction of light.
- A polyhedron with two congruent and parallel polygonal faces (the bases) and lateral faces that are parallelograms: In geometry, a prism is a three-dimensional shape defined by its two identical end faces and a uniform cross-section along its length.
Examples of Usage
- Noun (Optical Device):
- Newton used a prism to split white light into a spectrum of colors.
- The scientist observed the beam's deviation through the glass prism.
- Noun (Geometric Shape):
- A triangular prism has triangles for its bases and rectangles for its lateral faces.
- We calculated the volume of the rectangular prism.
Advanced Usage
- "Through the prism of...": Used metaphorically to mean viewing or interpreting something through a particular perspective, lens, or set of experiences.
- She analyzed the historical event through the prism of modern social theory.
- "Prism of society": A metaphorical phrase describing society as something that refracts or separates different groups or ideas.
- The novel examines class conflict through the prism of a small town.
Variants and Related Words
- Prismatic (adj):
- Relating to, resembling, or produced by a prism.
- The crystal displayed a beautiful prismatic effect in the sunlight.
- Exhibiting bright, spectral colors.
- The oil slick had a prismatic sheen.
- Prismoid (n): A solid figure that is like a prism but whose ends are not necessarily congruent or parallel.
Synonyms
- Optical prism: For the device (e.g., dispersing prism, refracting prism).
- Polyhedron: For the geometric shape (more general term).
- Cylinder: A related but distinct geometric shape with curved surfaces.
Related Phrases
- Prism binoculars: A type of binoculars that use prisms to fold the optical path, making the device shorter.
- Dispersive prism: A prism specifically used to separate light into its component colors.
Related Idioms
- "See something in a different prism": A less common variant of "see something in a different light," meaning to perceive something from a new or altered perspective.
- After traveling, he began to see his own culture in a different prism.
Noun
-
optical device having a triangular shape and made of glass or quartz; used to deviate a beam or invert an image
-
a polyhedron with two congruent and parallel faces (the bases) and whose lateral faces are parallelograms
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