Webster's English Dictionary

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prism

Cross references:
  1. volume                
 
prism \'priz-*m\ n [LL prismat-, prisma, fr. Gk, lit., anything sawn, fr. 
   priein] to saw 1: a polyhedron with two faces that are polygons in parallel 
   planes and the  other faces parallelograms 2a: a transparent body bounded 
   in part by two plane faces that are not para llel used to deviate or 
   disperse a beam of light 2b: a prism-shaped decorative glass luster  3: a 
   crystal form whose faces are parallel to one axis; specif : on e whose 
   faces are parallel to the vertical axis