spectrum Definition

spectrum
noun spectra, spectrums

1. physics.
The band of colours (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo and violet) that is produced when white light is split into its constituent wavelengths by passing it through a prism.
Form: visible spectrum (in full)
2. A continuous band or a series of lines representing the wavelengths or frequencies of electromagnetic radiation (eg visible light, X-rays, radio waves) emitted or absorbed by a particular substance.
3. Any full range.

Example: the whole spectrum of human emotions

Etymology: 17c: Latin, meaning ‘appearance'.