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
Recently, numerous reports have discussed the dangerous and growing support for political violence across the political spectrum.
—Adam Bai, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Each facility occupies its niche, representing the full spectrum of aerodynamic exploration, from takeoff to hypersonic flight.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
There will be a whole spectrum of feelings and events ranging from happy to unpleasant to peaceful, good and bad, all manner of memories and inside references, that all combine to form a connection that is ultimately shared only between the two of you, and this is very precious.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
According to the graphic on the Optoma UHZ58LV's product page (reproduced below), one laser takes care of the red color spectrum while the other beams out blue, green and yellow.
—New Atlas, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectrum
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
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Adam Bai, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025
Each facility occupies its niche, representing the full spectrum of aerodynamic exploration, from takeoff to hypersonic flight.
—Kaif Shaikh, Interesting Engineering, 30 Oct. 2025
There will be a whole spectrum of feelings and events ranging from happy to unpleasant to peaceful, good and bad, all manner of memories and inside references, that all combine to form a connection that is ultimately shared only between the two of you, and this is very precious.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 30 Oct. 2025
According to the graphic on the Optoma UHZ58LV's product page (reproduced below), one laser takes care of the red color spectrum while the other beams out blue, green and yellow.
—New Atlas, 30 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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