spectrum
spectrum Lexical Profile
spectrum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A wide, continuous range or sequence of related qualities, ideas, or activities.
"The conference attracted voters from across the entire political spectrum."
A band of colors, as seen in a rainbow, produced by the separation of the components of light according to their different wavelengths.
"A glass prism refracts white sunlight into a vivid visible spectrum."
The entire distribution of electromagnetic radiation or sound waves arranged by frequency or wavelength.
"Telecommunications companies bid billions of dollars for access to the wireless radio spectrum."
Word Nuance & Usage
Both 'spectra' and 'spectrums' are accepted plural forms, though 'spectra' is strongly preferred in scientific and technical contexts.
• Rhymes for spectrum
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 17th century from Latin 'spectrum' ('image, apparition'), derived from 'specere' ('to look at'). Isaac Newton popularized the modern optical sense in 1671 when describing the band of colors produced by passing sunlight through a prism.