spec|trum

spec|trum
spec|trum «SPEHK truhm», noun, plural -tra or -trums.
1. the band of colors formed when a beam of white light is broken up by being passed through a prism or by some other means. A rainbow has all the colors of the spectrum: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet.
2. the band of colors formed when any other form of radiant energy is broken up. The ends of such a band are not visible to the eye, but are studied by photography and heat effects. »

Unfortunately, the spectra of galaxies provide information only with regard to motion along our line of sight, not at right angles to it (Sky and Telescope).

3. the wavelength range between 30,000 meters and 3 centimeters; radio spectrum.
4. Figurative. range; scope; compass: »

a broad spectrum of electronic knowledge. Hear…the full spectrum of sound the next time you visit your music dealer (Atlantic).

╂[< New Latin spectrum Latin; see etym. under specter (Cf. ↑specter)]

Useful english dictionary. 2012.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • spec·trum — …   Useful english dictionary

  • broad-spec|trum — «BRD SPEHK truhm», adjective. having a wide range of use or application …   Useful english dictionary

  • wide-spec|trum — «WYD SPEHK truhm», adjective. = broad spectrum. (Cf. ↑broad spectrum) …   Useful english dictionary

  • trum — al·a·bas·trum; an·trum; ar·co·cen·trum; cal·a·mis·trum; cas·trum; cen·trum; ces·trum; claus·trum; coe·no·cen·trum; co·los·trum; di·plec·trum; elec·trum; em·pe·trum; ge·as·trum; haus·trum; hip·pe·as·trum; hy·pan·trum; li·gus·trum; lus·trum;… …   English syllables

  • spec — cir·cum·spec·tion; cir·cum·spec·tive; con·spec·tus; ex·tro·spec·tion; ex·tro·spec·tive; in·spec·tion; in·spec·tion·al; in·spec·tive; in·spec·tor; in·spec·tor·ate; in·spec·to·ri·al; in·spec·tor·ship; in·spec·to·scope; in·spec·tress; in·spec·trix;… …   English syllables

  • spectrum — spec·trum …   English syllables

  • spectrum — spec•trum [[t]ˈspɛk trəm[/t]] n. pl. tra( trə), trums. 1) phs a) an array of entities, as light waves or particles, ordered in accordance with the magnitudes of a common physical property, as wavelength or mass b) phs the band or series of colors …   From formal English to slang

  • spectrum — spec|trum [ˈspektrəm] n plural spectra [ trə] [Date: 1800 1900; : Latin; Origin: something that appears, image , from specere to look (at) ] 1.) a complete range of opinions, people, situations etc, going from one extreme to its opposite spectrum …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • spectrum — spec|trum [ spektrəm ] noun singular ** 1. ) the whole range of ideas, qualities, situations, etc. that are possible: the parties at the center of the political spectrum wide/broad spectrum (=a large range): The course covers a wide spectrum of… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • spectrum — 1. The range of colors presented when white light is resolved into its constituent colors by being passed through a prism or through a diffraction grating : red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet …   Medical dictionary

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