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Definition of spectrum
spectra
play \ˈspek-trə\ orspectrums
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 orderb : 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 spectrumc : 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 spectrumb : 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
From the M-W Editors
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
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This is still how polls classify people, placing them on a neat spectrum from ‘
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If the neutrino has mass, the spectrum should fall short of the limit by an amount equal to the mass.
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The broad spectrum of skin tone shades ensured that women of every ethnicity could find shoes to match their complexions.
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Bold Pours Taste through the spectrum at a wine bar with a good natural list: Bar Bandini in Echo Park, Everson Royce Bar and Mignon downtown, Esters Wine Shop & Bar in Santa Monica, Marvin on Beverly Boulevard, and Tabula Rasa Bar in Thai Town.
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Sam Upshaw Jr./C-J OMAHA, Neb. — In sports, winning and losing are thought to exist on the opposite end of a spectrum, determined by a scoreboard or a stopwatch.
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Several others from across the party's ideological spectrum have reacted tepidly but stopped short of rejecting the bill outright.
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The autism spectrum describes people with a wide range of developmental disorders.
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But Thissen said those votes belie the issues’ support across the political spectrum.
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
SPECTRUM Defined for English Language Learners
spectrum
playDefinition of spectrum for English Language Learners
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: 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
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: an entire range of light waves, radio waves, etc.
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: a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.
SPECTRUM Defined for Kids
spectrum
playDefinition of spectrum for Students
spectra
\-trə\ orspectrums
: 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
playMedical Definition of spectrum
spectra
\-trə\play orspectrums
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 orderb: 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 spectrumc: 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
Learn More about spectrum
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See words that rhyme with spectrum Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for spectrum Spanish Central: Translation of spectrum Nglish: Translation of spectrum for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of spectrum for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about spectrum
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