Prismless

Prismless is a term used to describe something that lacks a prism or the properties associated with it. In optical contexts, a prism is a transparent optical element with flat, polished surfaces that refract light. When light passes through a prism, it is bent, and if the light is white, it is also dispersed into its constituent spectral colors. Therefore, something described as "prismless" would not exhibit these light-bending or color-splitting effects.

In the context of lenses or other optical devices, a prismless design might be one that achieves its optical function without the use of a traditional prismatic element. This could be for reasons of cost, size, weight, or to avoid certain optical aberrations. For example, a prismless mirror system might be used in certain optical instruments to redirect light without introducing chromatic dispersion.

The term can also be used more figuratively to describe a situation or experience that is devoid of complexity, distortion, or a spectrum of opinions or emotions. In this metaphorical sense, "prismless" implies a direct, unvarnished, or straightforward quality.