spectrum

noun spec·trum \ ˈspek-trəm \

|Updated on: 16 Jul 2018

Definition of spectrum

plural spectra play \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

See spectrum defined for English-language learners

See spectrum defined for kids

Examples of spectrum in a Sentence

beautiful scarves in all the colors of the spectrum
the complete spectrum of opinions on this hotly debated subject

Recent Examples of spectrum from the Web

On a spectrum of Day-Glo colors — with My Little Pony highlights on one end, and a comparatively subtle rose gold on the other — blue lies somewhere in the middle.

— refinery29.com, "The On-Trend Summer Hair Color Sweeping Hollywood Right Now," 10 July 2018
These forms of dehumanization exist on the same spectrum.

— hannah giorgis, The Atlantic, "Sorry to Bother You Has an Eerily Familiar Villain," 10 July 2018
But bringing in the Greens, perhaps the most pro-immigration party on the political spectrum, could risk splitting Ms. Merkel’s CDU, where many lawmakers, while loyal to the chancellor, want a tougher anti-immigration line.

— bertrand benoit, WSJ, "Germany Faces Unprecedented Path in Fight Over Migration Deal," 2 July 2018
He is respected by both sides on the political and ideological spectrum.

— Fox News, "John Bolton previews the Trump-Putin summit; Leonard Leo on frontrunners to replace Justice Kennedy," 1 July 2018
There was unfiltered passion, utter exhaustion, intense frustration and every shade of emotion in between on this spectrum of experiences.

— raisa bruner, Time, "Soccer Legend Displays Every Mood Known to Man With His Dramatic World Cup Reaction," 26 June 2018
Elsewhere on the spectrum is Stephen Starr, whose 34-restaurant empire employs thousands and has a team of people dedicated to HR, including an in-house counsel and director of compliance who monitors individual restaurants.

— allison steele, Philly.com, "Sexual harassment in restaurants: How Philly's food scene is grappling with #MeToo," 11 June 2018
Having a well-educated, caring staff ensures children on the spectrum are both understood and well taken care of.

— damar services, Indianapolis Star, "5 ways classrooms are successfully changing to support students with autism," 24 Apr. 2018
Improving the accessibility of its theme park is part of a broader initiative by the Sesame brand to embrace the needs of children on the spectrum.

— brigit katz, Smithsonian, "Sesame Place Becomes First Theme Park to Be Designated a Certified Autism Center," 5 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'spectrum.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of spectrum

New Latin, from Latin, appearance — more at specter

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1671

in the meaning defined at sense 1a

See Words from the same year

spectrum Synonyms

Synonyms

gamut, range, scale, 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

SPECTRUM Defined for English Language Learners

spectrum

noun

Definition of spectrum for English Language Learners

: the group of colors that a ray of light can be separated into including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet : the colors that can be seen in a rainbow
: an entire range of light waves, radio waves, etc.
: a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.

SPECTRUM Defined for Kids

spectrum

noun spec·trum \ ˈspek-trəm \

Definition of spectrum for Students

plural spectra \-trə\ or spectrums

: the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet seen when light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is affected by drops of water (as in a rainbow)

Medical Dictionary

spectrum

noun spec·trum \ ˈspek-trəm \

medical Definition of spectrum

plural spectra play \-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