prismatic

[ priz-mat-ik ]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or like a prism.
2. formed by or as if by a transparent prism.
3. spectral in color; brilliant:

   prismatic colors.

4. highly varied or faceted:

   a prismatic existence.

prismatic

/ prɪzˈmætɪk /

adjective

1. concerned with, containing, or produced by a prism
2. exhibiting bright spectral colours

   prismatic light

3. crystallog another word for orthorhombic

prismatic

/ prĭz-măt′ĭk /

1. Relating to or resembling a prism.
2. Formed by refraction of light through a prism, used especially of a spectrum of light.

Derived Forms

• prisˈmatically, adverb

Other Words From

• pris·mati·cal·ly adverb
• inter·pris·matic adjective
• unpris·matic adjective
• unpris·mati·cal adjective
• unpris·mati·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of prismatic¹

1700–10; < Greek prīsmat- (stem of prîsma ) prism + -ic

Example Sentences

Because isn’t that what beauty is, in all of its prismatic totality — hard to kill, always in bloom?

From Los Angeles Times

The glass panels gleam in the sun, like an outsize version of the prismatic bluish-purple gem that glitters in the light.

From BBC

Like hip-hop, breaking is represented by a prismatic range of cultures, each of which has evolved the form and lends its own flavors.

From Salon

Joni Mitchell, 80, has been singing her prismatic folk ballad “Both Sides Now” since she was 23, and yet every time she performs it, she seems to be interpreting its infinitely wise lyrics anew.

From New York Times

We know how that worked out, but James’ prismatic view of various players around the device is a revelatory, funny, richly detailed study of the ways colonialism worms its way into language, art and relationships.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• bright
• flashy
• gaudy
• hued
• multicolored
• rich
• splashy
• vibrant
• vivid