plural spectra
ˈspɛktrə 
or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: 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
beautiful scarves in all the colors of the spectrum
b
technical
: an entire range of light waves, radio waves, etc.
2
: a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.
reaching voters across the political spectrum [=voters with all the different political beliefs that people have]
—often + ofthe whole spectrum of emotions
The city's populations represent a broad/wide spectrum of society.
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/spectrum. Accessed 18 Jun. 2026.
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