# prismatic

/pɹɪzˈmætɪk/ (US) · /pɹɪsmˈætɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/prismatic
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

having many different colors or parts that fit together. It often describes something that looks like a rainbow or has many different sides.

For teachers: relating to a prism or having a prism-like quality of refracting light into a spectrum of colors. Often used metaphorically to describe complex, multifaceted structures or ideas.

## Examples

- The glass window had a prismatic effect in the sunlight.
- The artist used a prismatic palette to capture the shifting colors of the sunset over the ocean.
- The novel offers a prismatic view of the city, weaving together the perspectives of dozens of residents to create a comprehensive portrait of urban life.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.