See Also: prism(dictionary)
prism(encyclopedia)
Prism(medicine)
prism(dictionary)
prism bar(medicine)
Porro prism(dictionary)
tidal prism(medicine)
prism illuminator(medicine)
prism diopter(medicine)
Nicol prism(medicine)

prism (iou)



prism noun. L16.
[Late Latin prisma from Greek, lit. 'thing sawn', from prizein to saw.]
1. Geometry. A solid figure of which the two ends are similar, equal, and parallel rectilineal figures, and the sides parallelograms. L16.
2. Optics. A transparent body of this form, esp. a triangular geometrical prism of which the refracting surfaces are at an acute angle with each other. E17.
Nicol prism, roof prism, Wollaston prism, etc.
b. A spectrum produced by refraction through a prism; in pl., prismatic colours. M19.
3. Any body or object of the shape of a geometric or optical prism. M17.
4. Crystallography. An open form consisting of three or more planes that meet in edges parallel to the vertical axis. L19.
Phrases: prunes and prism(s): see PRUNE noun.
prismal adjective of, pertaining to, or produced by a prism M19.
prismed adjective produced by refraction in a prism; having prismatic colours: E19.
prismy adjective (now rare or obsolete) produced (as) by a prism, refracted, refracting L18.