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spec·trum | \ ˈspek-trəm 
\
\ plural spectra\ ˈspek-trə \ or spectrums
\ or spectrumsDefinition of spectrum
1a : 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
2a : 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
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
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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 on the Web At one end of the spectrum are Lincoln, with 40 percent protected land, Medfield, with 33 percent, and Wayland, 32 percent.
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John Laidler, BostonGlobe.com, "Report finds abundant strengths, pressing challenges in MetroWest," 22 Jan. 2020 On the encouraging end of the spectrum was Allan Cruz, who led the team in goals (seven) despite only appearing in 22 matches.
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Pat Brennan, Cincinnati.com, "Breaking down FC Cincinnati's roster ahead of the 2020 MLS season," 22 Jan. 2020 The mid-winter snowcap scatters the sun’s warming rays in the infrared portion of the spectrum.
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Outdoor Life, "3 Killer Ice Fishing Tactics For Mid-Winter Pike, Walleyes, and Panfish," 17 Jan. 2020 What about a loss on the other end of the spectrum?
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Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, "Power Publicists Jennifer Allen and Melissa Kates on Lessons Learned and How to Spin a Scandal in 2020," 9 Jan. 2020 The inherent conundrum of the Y2K debate is that those on both ends of the spectrum — from naysayers to doomsayers — can claim that the outcome proved their predictions correct.
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Francine Uenuma, Time, "20 Years Later, the Y2K Bug Seems Like a Joke—Because Those Behind the Scenes Took It Seriously," 30 Dec. 2019 On the other side of the spectrum, the contrast will be high with deep blacks.
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Jacob Krol, CNN Underscored, "Save on this 55-inch AI ThinQ 4K TV from LG," 11 Dec. 2019 The same concern exists on the other end of the spectrum.
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oregonlive, "Department of Forestry’s new management plan is so vague it’s meaningless, critics say," 11 Dec. 2019 On the opposite end of the spectrum are the one-note, sweet-as-sugar commercial options.
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Kate Krader, chicagotribune.com, "The holiday foods you love to hate can actually be delicious," 9 Dec. 2019
See MoreThese 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.
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More Definitions for spectrum
spectrum
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of spectrum
: 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
technical : an entire range of light waves, radio waves, etc.
: a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.
See the full definition for spectrum in the English Language Learners Dictionary
spectrum
nounspec·trum | \ ˈspek-trəm \
\ plural spectra\ -trə \ or spectrums
Kids Definition of spectrum
: 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)
spectrum
nounspec·trum | \ ˈspek-trəm \
\ plural spectra\ -trə \ or spectrums
\ or spectrumsMedical Definition of spectrum
1a : 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
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Time Traveler for spectrum
The first known use of spectrum was in 1672
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