Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Exhibiting spectral colors formed by refraction of light through a prism: Describes colors that are separated into a spectrum, like a rainbow, due to the bending of light.
   • Of, relating to, resembling, or constituting a prism: Describes something that has the shape, properties, or characteristics of a prism.

Examples of Usage

• Exhibiting spectral colors:
  • The soap bubble created a prismatic sheen on its surface.
  • The crystal reflected prismatic flashes of light across the room.
• Relating to a prism:
  • The geologist studied the mineral's prismatic crystal structure.
  • The device uses a prismatic lens to bend the light path.

Advanced Usage

• "Prismatic colors": The colors of the visible spectrum (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet) as seen when white light is dispersed by a prism.
  • The artist was inspired by the pure, prismatic colors of the spectrum.
• "Prismatic binoculars": A type of binoculars that use prisms to fold the optical path, making the device shorter.
  • He preferred his prismatic binoculars for birdwatching due to their compact design.

Variants and Related Words

• Prism (n): A solid geometric figure whose two ends are similar, equal, and parallel rectilinear figures, and whose sides are parallelograms. Also, a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light.
  • Light passing through the prism created a rainbow on the wall.
• Prismatically (adv): In a prismatic manner; with prism-like qualities or colors.
  • The light shone prismatically through the cut-glass ornament.

Synonyms

• Iridescent: Showing luminous colors that seem to change when seen from different angles.
• Kaleidoscopic: Having complex patterns of colors that are constantly changing.
• Spectral: Of or like a spectrum; relating to the colors of the rainbow.

Related Phrases

• Prismatic powder: (Technical) A type of gunpowder where the grains are shaped like small prisms.
  • The historical document described the use of prismatic powder in certain artillery.
• Prismatic compass: A compass that uses a prism to allow the user to read the bearing while simultaneously sighting a distant object.
  • The surveyor used a prismatic compass to take accurate bearings in the field.

Adjective

1. exhibiting spectral colors formed by refraction of light through a prism
   • prismatic light
2. of or relating to or resembling or constituting a prism
   • prismatic form