spectrum

noun spec·trum \ˈspek-trəm\

: the group of colors that a ray of light can be separated into including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet : the colors that can be seen in a rainbow

: an entire range of light waves, radio waves, etc.

: a complete range of different opinions, people, etc.

plural spec·tra \-trə\ or spectrums

Full Definition of SPECTRUM

a : a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order

b : any of various continua that resemble a color spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : electromagnetic spectrum (2) : radio spectrum (3) : the range of frequencies of sound waves (4) : mass spectrum

c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum

a : a continuous sequence or range <a wide spectrum of interests> <opposite ends of the political spectrum>

b : kinds of organisms associated with a particular situation (as an environment)

c : a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>

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Origin of SPECTRUM

New Latin, from Latin, appearance — more at specter

First Known Use: 1671

Related to SPECTRUM

Synonyms: diapason, gamut, scale, range, spread, stretch

Other Pharmacology Terms

anodyne, cathartic, emetic, emollient, liniment, paregoric, poultice, purgative, soporific

Rhymes with SPECTRUM

plectrum

SPECTRUM Defined for Kids

spectrum

noun spec·trum \ˈspek-trəm\

plural spec·tra \-trə\ or spec·trums

Definition of SPECTRUM for Kids

: the group of different colors including red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet seen when light passes through a prism and falls on a surface or when sunlight is affected by drops of water (as in a rainbow)

Medical Dictionary

spectrum

noun spec·trum \ˈspek-trəm\

plural spec·tra \-trə\ or spectrums

Medical Definition of SPECTRUM

a : a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order b : any of various continua that resemble a spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) : electromagnetic spectrum (2) : mass spectrum c : the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum

: a continuous sequence or range; specifically : a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>