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.
There are four types of solar eclipses: 1  A total eclipse occurs when the dark silhouette of the Moon completely obscures the intensely bright light of the Sun, allowing the much fainter solar corona to be visible. During any one eclipse, totality occurs at best only in a narrow track on the surface of Earth.