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

Other Pharmacology Terms

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

Rhymes with SPECTRUM

plectrum

spec·trum

noun \ˈspek-trəm\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; spec·tra \-trə\ (audio pronunciation)or ; spectrums

Medical 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 spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : electromagnetic spectrum (2) : mass spectrum c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum

2

: a continuous sequence or range; specifically : a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>

spectrum

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Arrangement according to wavelength (or frequency) of electromagnetic radiation. The visible, “rainbow” spectrum is the portion of the electromagnetic spectrum that is visible as light to the human eye. Some sources emit only certain wavelengths and produce an emission spectrum of bright lines with dark spaces between. Such line spectra are characteristic of the elements that emit the radiation. A band spectrum consists of groups of wavelengths so close together that the lines appear to form a continuous band. Atoms and molecules absorb certain wavelengths and so remove them from a complete spectrum; the resulting absorption spectrum contains dark lines or bands at these wavelengths.