spectrum

Definition

A range; a continuous, infinite, one-dimensional set, possibly bounded by extremes.

Etymology

From Latin spectrum (“appearance, image, apparition”), from speciō (“look at, view”). Doublet of specter. See also scope.

Example Sentences

• "Near-synonyms: sliding scale, continuum"
• "As Mr. Obama prepared to take the oath, his approval rating touched a remarkable 70 percent in some polling — a reflection of good will across the political spectrum."
• "Current 3G technologies can send roughly 1 bit of data - a one or a zero - per second over each 1 Hz of spectrum that the operator owns."

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