spectrum
noun
spec·trum ˈspek-trəm 
plural spectra ˈspek-trə or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: 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)
(2)
(3)
: the range of frequencies of sound waves
(4)
c
: the representation (such as a plot) of a spectrum
2
a
: 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
see also:
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 on the Web
The imagery honors a wide spectrum of workers, from street vendors and farm workers to factory employees and rideshare drivers, many of whom are foundational to Los Angeles but often go unseen. —
Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 The ones below deliver reliable broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays) and a finish that works on various skin types. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026 This deal is also about what that spectrum enables. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectrum
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Daily News, 24 Apr. 2026 Adelphi offers policy proposals across the IP spectrum that are meant to counterbalance the international strengthening of IP laws, regulations, and enforcement. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026 The ones below deliver reliable broad spectrum protection (UVA and UVB rays) and a finish that works on various skin types. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 24 Apr. 2026 This deal is also about what that spectrum enables. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for spectrum
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/dictionary/spectrum. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
spectrum
noun
spec·trum ˈspek-trəm
plural spectra -trə or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet arranged in the order of their wavelengths and seen when white light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is scattered by water droplets to form a rainbow
2
: a continuous range or series
a wide spectrum of interests
Medical Definition
spectrum
noun
spec·trum ˈspek-trəm
plural spectra -trə or spectrums
or spectrums
1
a
: 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 spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as
(1)
(2)
c
: 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
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