spectrum

noun

spec·​trum ˈspek-trəm 

plural spectra ˈspek-trə  or spectrums

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 (such as frequency or energy): such as

(1)

: electromagnetic spectrum

(2)

: radio spectrum

(3)

: the range of frequencies of sound waves

(4)

: mass spectrum

c

: the representation (such 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 (such as an environment)

c

: a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms

an antibiotic with a broad spectrum

Phrases

on the spectrum

: exhibiting traits associated with autism spectrum disorder

… quiet areas and sensory bags with headphones … and other ways to help kids who are on the spectrum cope with unfamiliar, noisy surroundings.

—Rachel Molenda

… Stephanie Adams, cofounder of the Autism and Asperger's Society, said: "We started the society because we wanted to make a place where people on the spectrum can spend their time and not feel isolated. …"

—Kelsey Maxwell

Synonyms

• diapason
• gamut
• range
• scale
• spread
• stretch

Example Sentences

beautiful scarves in all the colors of the spectrum

the complete spectrum of opinions on this hotly debated subject

Recent Examples on the Web

Over time, the homes served a broad demographic spectrum. —Jacques Kelly, Baltimore Sun, 21 Jan. 2023

Live Nation said audiences can expect soul staples and standards peppered throughout the set, showcasing the full spectrum of Seal's incredible repertoire. —Kirby Adams, The Courier-Journal, 20 Jan. 2023

The movie runs the spectrum of the invasive processes women are put through, with up close looks at blood collecting, tissue harvesting, miscarriage, and one too many amniocentesis procedures. —Borys Kit, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2023

Low glow flashes operate using light from the higher end of the red light spectrum, typically ranging from barely visible red light to completely invisible infrared light. —Kurt Spurlock, Men's Health, 18 Jan. 2023

However, the possible harmful effects of nail polish dryers have not been studied, despite the devices using a different spectrum of UV light. —Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 18 Jan. 2023

From adrenaline-pumping actioners to uproarious comedies to captivating dramas, the time travel narrative traverses the film spectrum. —Ruth Johnson, EW.com, 18 Jan. 2023

The cutting-edge offense being run by the Marquette men's basketball team has earned rave reviews from the entire spectrum of hoops hipsters. —Ben Steele, Journal Sentinel, 18 Jan. 2023

For the full spectrum of sonar options, the Helix 9 also includes CHIRP, down scan, and side scan imaging. —Ric Burnely, Field & Stream, 17 Jan. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin, appearance — more at specter

First Known Use

1672, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing spectrum

• autism spectrum disorder
• electromagnetic spectrum
• absorption spectrum
• radio spectrum
• a broad spectrum
• mass spectrum
• broad-spectrum
• autistic spectrum disorder
• on the spectrum

• autism spectrum disorder
• electromagnetic spectrum
• absorption spectrum
• radio spectrum
• a broad spectrum
• mass spectrum
• broad-spectrum
• autistic spectrum disorder
• on the spectrum

See More

Kids Definition

spectrum

noun

spec·​trum ˈspek-trəm 

plural spectra -trə  or spectrums

1

a

: the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet arranged in the order of their wavelengths and seen when white light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is scattered by water droplets to form a rainbow

b

: electromagnetic spectrum

2

: a continuous range or series

a wide spectrum of interests

Medical Definition

spectrum

noun

spec·​trum ˈspek-trəm 

plural spectra -trə  or spectrums

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 see broad-spectrum, narrow-spectrum