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
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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
Origin and Etymology of spectrum
New Latin, from Latin, appearance — more at specter
First Known Use: 1671
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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