spectrum noun, plural spectra [spek-truh], spectrums

Physics.

• 1. an array of entities, as light waves or particles, ordered inaccordance

     1. with the magnitudes of a common physical property, aswavelength or mass:

     2. often the band of colors produced whensunlight is passed through a prism,

     3. comprising red, orange, yellow,green, blue, indigo, and violet.

  2. this band or series of colors together with extensions at the ends that

• • 1. are not visible to the eye, but that can be studied by means of

    2. photography, heat effects, etc., and that are produced by the

    3. dispersion of radiant energy other than ordinary light rays.

    4. Compare band spectrum, electromagnetic spectrum, mass spectrum.

a broad range of varied but related ideas or objects, the individual

features of which tend to overlap so as to form a continuous series or

sequence: the spectrum of political beliefs.

Origin of spectrum

1605-1615 ; < Latin: appearance, form, equivalent to spec (ere) to look,regard

+ - trum instrumental noun suffix *

* http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/spectrum