adj
Uncommon
spectral
SPEHKT-ruh
Spectral (adj) means relating to ghosts or spirits; ghostly. Example: “A spectral figure seemed to hover at the end of the hallway.”
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
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more spectral
- Superlative
- most spectral
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
A _____ figure seemed to hover at the end of the hallway.
Etymology
Built from "spectre/spectrum" plus the adjective ending "-al."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “spectral” mean?
The word “spectral” means relating to ghosts or spirits; ghostly. In plain terms, either "ghostly" or "to do with a spectrum" (of light, sound, etc.), depending on context.
How do you pronounce “spectral”?
“Spectral” is pronounced SPEHKT-ruh (/ˈspɛktɹəɫ/ in IPA).
How do you use “spectral” in a sentence?
Here is “spectral” used in a sentence: “A spectral figure seemed to hover at the end of the hallway.”
What part of speech is “spectral”?
“Spectral” is an adjective.
Is “spectral” a common word?
“Spectral” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “spectral” have?
“Spectral” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to ghosts or spirits; ghostly.
