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 Maxwell
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
Kentucky, Alaska and Alabama are the three states where weight loss drugs are most used, and Hawaii, Arizona and Colorado sit at the other end of the spectrum, a report has revealed.
—Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Many Americans across the political spectrum are convinced that Trump poses a threat, and so the tired incumbents have some of the advantages usually associated with insurgents.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
As world governments sought to spend their way out of the pandemic, inflation rose and central banks sharply raised interest rates, dampening equity markets and deflating valuations across the spectrum of private assets.
—Control Risks, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The platform also plots their views on a spectrum ranging from most conservative to most progressive and compares them to the average congressional Democrat or Republican's views.
—Steph Solis, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
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.
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024
Many Americans across the political spectrum are convinced that Trump poses a threat, and so the tired incumbents have some of the advantages usually associated with insurgents.
—The New Yorker, 5 Nov. 2024
As world governments sought to spend their way out of the pandemic, inflation rose and central banks sharply raised interest rates, dampening equity markets and deflating valuations across the spectrum of private assets.
—Control Risks, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
The platform also plots their views on a spectrum ranging from most conservative to most progressive and compares them to the average congressional Democrat or Republican's views.
—Steph Solis, Axios, 4 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for spectrum
Dictionary Entries Near spectrum
Cite this Entry
“Spectrum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectrum. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
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
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share