noun Common

spectrum

SPEHKT-ruhm

Spectrum (noun) means a continuous range between two extremes. Example: “Opinions on the issue covered the whole spectrum, from strongly for to strongly against.”

noun

A continuous range between two extremes.

"Opinions on the issue covered the whole spectrum, from strongly for to strongly against."

The full range of colors that visible light separates into, or more broadly the range of electromagnetic radiation by frequency.

"A rainbow shows the visible spectrum of light."

"Radio waves and X-rays both sit on the electromagnetic spectrum."

Short for "autism spectrum," referring to the range of autistic traits and conditions.

"Her son was recently diagnosed as being on the spectrum."

How to use spectrum

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA full range of something, from one end to the other — used for colors, opinions, light, or (informally) autism.

Common pairings

a wide spectrum the color spectrum on the autism spectrum across the political spectrum

Word forms

spectra plural, spectrums plural

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Opinions on the issue covered the whole _____, from strongly for to strongly against.

Etymology

From Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from speciō ("to look at"). A doublet of "specter" — the two words share the same Latin ancestor.

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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range gamut continuum span scale array

Related words

while rate size range degree scale distance length

Frequently asked questions

What does “spectrum” mean?

The word “spectrum” means a continuous range between two extremes. In plain terms, a full range of something, from one end to the other — used for colors, opinions, light, or (informally) autism.

How do you pronounce “spectrum”?

“Spectrum” is pronounced SPEHKT-ruhm (/ˈspɛktɹəm/ in IPA).

How do you use “spectrum” in a sentence?

Here is “spectrum” used in a sentence: “Opinions on the issue covered the whole spectrum, from strongly for to strongly against.”

What part of speech is “spectrum”?

“Spectrum” is a noun.

Where does the word “spectrum” come from?

The word “spectrum” comes from Latin. From Latin spectrum ("appearance, image"), from speciō ("to look at"). A doublet of "specter" — the two words share the same Latin ancestor.

Is “spectrum” a common word?

“Spectrum” is a fairly common word in modern English.

How many meanings does “spectrum” have?

“Spectrum” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a continuous range between two extremes.

What is the plural of "spectrum"?

The traditional plural is "spectra," following the word's Latin origin, though "spectrums" is also accepted in general use. Scientific writing usually prefers "spectra," as in "absorption spectra."

What is the difference between "spectrum" and "range"?

A "range" is any set or span of values, while a "spectrum" specifically suggests a continuous scale between two opposite extremes with many gradations in between. Positions on a spectrum shade gradually from one end to the other rather than falling into separate groups.

What are common phrases using "spectrum"?

Frequent collocations include "political spectrum," "broad spectrum," "colour spectrum," and "across the spectrum." These draw on both senses: a continuous range of positions and the band of colours in visible light.

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