What does spectral mean Meaning and Definition
What does spectral mean
Pronunciation
/ˈspekt.rəl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Definition
relating to or involving the distribution or properties of light, colors, or electromagnetic waves; having a quality of light or radiance; extremely small or infinitesimal.
Examples
- The scientists studied the spectral patterns of the galaxies.
- The artist used spectral colors to create a sense of depth in her painting.
Etymology
The word “spectral” comes from the Latin “spectra,” meaning “appearance” or “apparition,” and is related to the word “spectrum.”
Usage Notes
Spectral is often used in scientific and technical contexts to refer to the properties of light or electromagnetic radiation.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the term “spectral” is often used to describe ghostly or otherworldly phenomena, as in the phrase “spectral apparition.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Idiomatic expressions that include the word “spectral” include “spectral radiation” and “spectral analysis.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Radiant
- Luminous
- Illuminated
Collocations
- Spectral analysis
- Spectral radiation
- Spectral density
Frequency of Use
The word “spectral” is not frequently used in everyday conversation, but it is commonly used in scientific and technical contexts.
Common Misspellings
Common misspellings of the word “spectral” include “spectral” and “spectric.”