spectrum

spec·trum

noun \ˈspek-trəm\

plural spec·tra\-trə\ or spectrums

Definition of SPECTRUM

1

a : a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order b : any of various continua that resemble a color spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : electromagnetic spectrum (2) : radio spectrum (3) : the range of frequencies of sound waves (4) : mass spectrum c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum

2

a : a continuous sequence or range <a wide spectrum of interests> <opposite ends of the political spectrum> b : kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (as an environment) c : a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>

Examples of SPECTRUM

1. beautiful scarves in all the colors of the spectrum
2. <the complete spectrum of opinions on this hotly debated subject>

Origin of SPECTRUM

New Latin, from Latin, appearance — more at specter

First Known Use: 1671

Related to SPECTRUM

Synonyms: diapason, gamut, scale, range, spread, stretch

Related Words: measure, pitch, scale; ambit, amplitude, compass, dimension(s), extent, reach, realm, scope, sweep, width

[+]more[-]hide

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific

Rhymes with SPECTRUM

plectrum