1 (geometry) A polyhedron with parallel ends of the same size and shape, the other faces being parallelogram-shaped sides.  A transparent block in the shape of a prism (typically with triangular ends), used to split or reflect light.
To the Jews, solar eclipses meant that the moon was passing between the sun and the earth, thereby blocking the suns light. Notwithstanding the physical explanation of a solar eclipse, there is also spiritual significance to it: At the time when the sun is eclipsed, it is an unfavorable period for the world. A parable: This can be compared to a human king who made a feast for his subjects, and placed a lantern before them.
Solar eclipse. A solar eclipse (as seen from the planet Earth) is a type of eclipse that occurs when the Moon passes between the Sun and Earth, and when the Moon fully or partially blocks (occults) the Sun. This can happen only at new moon when the Sun and the Moon are in conjunction as seen from Earth in an alignment referred to as syzygy.