Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'prism'

English Word: prism

Key Russian Translations:

• призма /ˈprʲiz.mə/ - [Formal, Scientific]

Frequency: Medium - Commonly used in scientific, educational, and technical contexts, but less frequent in everyday conversation.

Difficulty: B2 - Intermediate level, as it involves vocabulary from optics and geometry; learners should have a grasp of basic Russian noun declensions and scientific terminology.

Pronunciation (Russian):

призма: /ˈprʲiz.mə/

Note on призма: The stress is on the first syllable, and the 'р' is rolled. Pay attention to the palatalized 'з' sound, which can be challenging for non-native speakers.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

1. Optical Prism (A transparent object that refracts light, often used in spectroscopy or cameras)

Translation(s) & Context:

• призма - Used in formal scientific discussions, such as in physics or optics, to describe devices that split light into its component colors.

Usage Examples:

• Оптическая призма расщепляет белый свет на спектр цветов.

  An optical prism splits white light into a spectrum of colors.

• В лаборатории мы использовали призму для демонстрации преломления света.

  In the laboratory, we used a prism to demonstrate the refraction of light.

• Призма в телескопе помогает корректировать изображение.

  The prism in the telescope helps to correct the image.

• Учёные изучают, как призма влияет на поляризацию света.

  Scientists study how a prism affects the polarization of light.

• В школьном эксперименте призма показала радугу из солнечного света.

  In the school experiment, the prism showed a rainbow from sunlight.

2. Geometric Prism (A three-dimensional shape with two parallel bases and polygonal sides)

Translation(s) & Context:

• призма - Applied in mathematical or geometric contexts, such as describing polyhedrons in education or engineering.

Usage Examples:

• Геометрическая призма имеет две параллельные грани и боковые ребра.

  A geometric prism has two parallel faces and lateral edges.

• В уроке математики мы рисовали призму с квадратным основанием.

  In the math lesson, we drew a prism with a square base.

• Призма в архитектуре часто используется для создания устойчивых конструкций.

  Prisms in architecture are often used to create stable structures.

• Объём призмы рассчитывается по формуле: основание умножить на высоту.

  The volume of a prism is calculated using the formula: base multiplied by height.

• Эта призма сделана из кубических блоков для моделирования.

  This prism is made from cubic blocks for modeling purposes.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

The word "призма" is a feminine noun in Russian (3rd declension). It follows standard feminine noun patterns with regular inflections. Below is a table outlining its key forms:

Note: As a feminine noun, it does not have irregular forms, making it relatively straightforward for learners.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • Оптическая линза (optical lens) - Used interchangeably in some optical contexts, but less precise for refraction.
  • Многоугольная пирамида (polygonal pyramid) - For geometric shapes, though not exact.
• Antonyms:
  • Сфера (sphere) - Represents a contrasting three-dimensional shape without flat sides.

Related Phrases:

• Оптическая призма - Optical prism; a common phrase in physics discussions, referring to devices used in experiments.
• Геометрическая призма - Geometric prism; used in math education to describe shapes in three-dimensional geometry.
• Призма Ньютона - Newton's prism; a historical reference to experiments with light refraction.

Usage Notes:

"Призма" directly corresponds to the English "prism" in both optical and geometric senses, but it is more commonly used in formal or technical contexts in Russian. Be mindful of the context: in everyday speech, Russians might opt for simpler terms or explanations. For learners, note that "призма" requires correct declension based on its role in the sentence (e.g., use genitive for possession: "цвета призмы" meaning "colors of the prism"). When choosing between translations, stick with "призма" for precision, as alternatives like "линза" might imply something different.

Common Errors:

• Error: Using "призму" in the nominative case when it should be accusative (e.g., saying "Я вижу призму" instead of "Я вижу призму" – wait, that's correct; a common mistake is incorrect declension, like "Я имею призма" instead of "Я имею призму").

  Correct: "Я использую призму в эксперименте" (I use the prism in the experiment).

  Explanation: Russian nouns must agree in case; beginners often forget to change endings, leading to grammatical errors.

• Error: Confusing "призма" with "приз" (prize), leading to mix-ups in pronunciation or spelling.

  Correct: Ensure the context is scientific; for example, say "оптическая призма" to avoid ambiguity.

  Explanation: These words sound similar but have different meanings, which can confuse English speakers due to false cognates.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture, "призма" is often associated with scientific advancements, such as Isaac Newton's experiments, which are taught in schools. It symbolizes clarity and analysis, sometimes metaphorically used in literature to represent distorted perceptions, reflecting Russia's emphasis on scientific education during the Soviet era.

Related Concepts:

• Спектр (spectrum)
• Рефракция (refraction)
• Полиэдр (polyhedron)