spectrum
noun
spec·trum
ˈspek-trəm
plural spectra
ˈspek-trə
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:
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum. Accessed 24 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
