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
Phrases
on the spectrum
: exhibiting traits associated with autism spectrum disorder
… quiet areas and sensory bags with headphones … and other ways to help kids who are on the spectrum cope with unfamiliar, noisy surroundings.—
Rachel Molenda
Rachel Molenda… Stephanie Adams, cofounder of the Autism and Asperger's Society, said: "We started the society because we wanted to make a place where people on the spectrum can spend their time and not feel isolated. …"—Kelsey Maxwell
Kelsey MaxwellExamples 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 spectrum labels led to healthier food choices in the virtual shopping cart.
—Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
This behavior will lead to a spectrum of temperature imperfections in the Big Bang’s leftover glow, and eventually will form the seeds of structure that grow into stars, galaxies, and the cosmic web.
—Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
At the other end of the spectrum, residents in Fremont, California, spend less than 1%.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Advertisement These voices from across the political spectrum are not wrong about the corrosive effects of political violence.
—Time, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectrum
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Sheah Rarback, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2025
This behavior will lead to a spectrum of temperature imperfections in the Big Bang’s leftover glow, and eventually will form the seeds of structure that grow into stars, galaxies, and the cosmic web.
—Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
At the other end of the spectrum, residents in Fremont, California, spend less than 1%.
—Deirdre Bardolf, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2025
Advertisement These voices from across the political spectrum are not wrong about the corrosive effects of political violence.
—Time, 23 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectrum
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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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