# What Is the Definition of a Prism?

A prism refers to a solid geometric figure whose two end faces are similar, equal and parallel rectilinear figures and whose sides are parallelograms. It can also be defined as a glass or other transparent object in this form, especially one that is triangular with refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other and that separates white light into a spectrum of colours.
prism
[priz-uhm]
NOUN
1.
Optics. a transparent solid body, often having triangular bases, used for dispersing light into a spectrum or for reflecting rays of light.
2.
Geometry a solid having bases or ends that are parallel, congruent polygons and sides that are parallelograms.
3.
Crystallography a form having faces parallel to the vertical axis and intersecting the horizontal axes.
Source: Dictionary.com
Solid figure with bases that ends of the same size and shape. They are parallel to each other and sides are called a parallelogram. A crystalline body that refract light.
Q&A Related to "What Is the Definition of a Prism"
 A prism is defined as a 3 dimensional figure where both the bases and sides of the prism are parallel to the bases and sides opposite each other. http://answers.ask.com/Science/Other/what_is_the_d...