Medical Dictionary

spectrum

noun spec·trum \ˈspek-trəm\
plural spec·tra \-trə\ or spectrums

Medical Definition of SPECTRUM

1
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
2
:  a continuous sequence or range; specifically :  a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad spectrum>
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears