spectrum

CEFRB2

/ˈspɛktɹəm/

noun

Türkçe translations

Translating…

In plain English

  1. 01

    noun

    A range of related colors, ideas, or conditions.

  2. 02

    noun

    Extra detail

    Specifically, a range of colours representing light (electromagnetic radiation) of contiguous frequencies; hence electromagnetic spectrum, visible spectrum, ultraviolet spectrum, etc.

Examples

  • A spectrum is formed by a ray of light passing through a prism.

  • There are many ideological similarities between parties at the extreme ends of the political spectrum.

At a glance

Sits at B2 on the CEFR scale

Senses
5
Parts of speech
1
Citations
3
Synonyms
3

Also pronounced

  • [ˈspɛktɹ̝̊əm] ~ [ˈspɛktɹ̝̊m̩]

Deep Dive

noun

Extra meanings

  1. The autism spectrum.

  2. A range; a continuous, infinite, one-dimensional set, possibly bounded by extremes.

  3. The pattern of absorption or emission of radiation produced by a substance when subjected to energy (radiation, heat, electricity, etc.).

More examples

In context

  • You can see the colors of the spectrum in a rainbow.

  • Near-synonyms: sliding scale, continuum

  • As Mr. Obama prepared to take the oath, his approval rating touched a remarkable 70 percent in some polling — a reflection of good will across the political spectrum.

Synonyms

Quick test

Two questions on this entry. Nothing is scored.

Question 1 · Quick check

The prism in the lab revealed a continuous blank of colors from red to violet.

Practise this properly in the app, where the word comes back before you forget it.

Nearby

Origin

noun

From Latin spectrum (“appearance, image, apparition”), from speciō (“look at, view”). Doublet of specter. See also scope.