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 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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Test Your Vocabulary
More Confusing Words—Quiz
-
- The magician
______
moved the selected card to the top of the deck.

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Share spectrum
Time Traveler for spectrum
The first known use of spectrum was in 1672
See more words from the same year