adj
spectral
SPEHKT-ruh
adj
1
Relating to ghosts or spirits; ghostly.
"A spectral figure seemed to hover at the end of the hallway."
2
Relating to a spectrum, especially of light or sound broken down by frequency or wavelength.
"Astronomers study the spectral lines of distant stars to work out what they are made of."
How to Use Spectral
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "ghostly" or "to do with a spectrum" (of light, sound, etc.), depending on context.
Common pairings
spectral analysis
a spectral glow
spectral lines
Word Forms
more spectral comparative, more spectral comparative, most spectral superlative, most spectral superlative
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A _____ figure seemed to hover at the end of the hallway.
Etymology
Built from "spectre/spectrum" plus the adjective ending "-al."