Prism Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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prism
[ˈprɪzəm ]
Definitions
optical device
A prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. It is often used to break light up into its constituent spectral colors.
Synonyms
glass prism, optical element, refracting prism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prism |
General term used to describe a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light.
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| optical element |
A broad term that includes any component used in optical systems, which can include lenses, mirrors, and prisms. Used in more technical or professional contexts.
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| glass prism |
Specifically refers to a prism made of glass. Often used in educational or scientific settings to describe the material of the prism.
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| refracting prism |
Specifically used to highlight the prism's function of refracting light. Common in scientific descriptions and discussions about light behavior.
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Examples of usage
- The scientist used a prism to study the properties of light.
- The rainbow was created by the refraction of sunlight through a prism.
geometric shape
In geometry, a prism is a solid figure with two parallel and equal bases connected by parallelogram faces.
Synonyms
geometric solid, polyhedron, three-dimensional shape.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prism |
Used in mathematical contexts to describe a solid with two identical faces (bases) and parallelogram faces connecting corresponding sides.
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| geometric solid |
Refers to any solid shape in geometry, and is typically used in academic or descriptive situations to refer to three-dimensional figures.
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| polyhedron |
Commonly used in mathematical geometry to describe a solid shape with flat polygonal faces, straight edges, and sharp corners (vertices). It can be used in educational or scientific contexts.
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| three-dimensional shape |
This term is used broadly in educational contexts to describe any shape that has depth, width, and height.
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Examples of usage
- The rectangular prism has six faces, twelve edges, and eight vertices.
- The triangular prism has five faces: three rectangles and two triangles.
concept
A prism can also refer to something that separates, reflects, or represents a spectrum of values or opinions.
Synonyms
filter, reflecting medium, separator.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| prism |
A prism is often used in scientific or educational contexts, especially in physics and optics, to describe a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light.
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| reflecting medium |
This term is typically used in physics and optics to describe a material or surface that reflects wave energy, such as light or sound waves.
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| filter |
A filter can refer to anything used to remove impurities or unwanted elements. It is commonly used in photography, light technology, and even metaphorically in everyday language.
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| separator |
A separator is used in mechanical, industrial, or chemical contexts to describe a device or mechanism that divides substances into separate components.
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Examples of usage
- The novel acted as a prism, reflecting the diverse perspectives of its characters.
- The debate served as a prism through which different political ideologies were showcased.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- A prism can split white light into a spectrum of colors, known as dispersion, by bending various wavelengths at different angles.
- It plays a vital role in many optical devices, including cameras and microscopes, improving the way we see and analyze the world.
- The most common type of prism is a triangular prism, which has two triangular ends and three rectangular sides.
Art
- Artists and designers use colors produced by prisms to create vibrant works that play with light and perception.
- Prismatic effects are frequently employed in stained glass art, where light transforms colors as it passes through.
Pop Culture
- The prism design is often linked to iconic bands, such as Pink Floyd, whose album cover for 'The Dark Side of the Moon' features a prism refracting light.
- Prisms have appeared in numerous films and shows as symbols of transformation, enlightenment, and all things colorful.
History
- In the 17th century, scientist Isaac Newton famously used a prism in his experiments to demonstrate that white light is made up of different colors.
- Optical prisms became essential tools in the development of modern optics, leading to advances in various technologies.
Origin of 'prism'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Greek 'prisma', meaning 'something sawed off', referring to its shape.
- In the late 16th century, the term was used in optics to describe how light behaves when it passes through glass.
The word 'prism' originated from the Greek word 'prisma,' meaning 'something sawed.' The use of prisms in optics and geometry dates back to ancient times, with early civilizations like the Greeks and Egyptians exploring the properties of light and geometric shapes. Over the centuries, prisms have played a crucial role in scientific discoveries and artistic expressions, symbolizing the dispersion of light and the unity of diverse elements.