noun
spectrum
SPEHKT-ruhm
noun
1
A continuous range between two extremes.
"Opinions on the issue covered the whole spectrum, from strongly for to strongly against."
2
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."
3
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 notesIn 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
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “spectrum”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
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.