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spectrum definition

spec·trum (spektrəm)

noun pl. spectra -·tra (-trə) or spectrums -·trums

  1. the series of colored bands dispersed and arranged in the order of their respective wavelengths by the passage of white light through a prism or other dispersing device and shading continuously from red (produced by the longest wave visible) through violet (produced by the shortest): the six main colors of the spectrum are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet, with a seventh color (indigo) sometimes specified, between blue and violet
  2. the intensity of any radiation or motion displayed as a function of frequency, or wavelength
  3. an afterimage
  4. a continuous range or entire extent a wide spectrum of opinion
    1. radio spectrum
    2. electromagnetic spectrum

Etymology: ModL, special use (by Sir Isaac Newton, 1671) of L spectrum: see specter

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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