n, pl  spec*tra  or  spectrums  1 a  :  a continuum of color formed when a beam of white light is dispersed (as by passage through a prism) so that its component wavelengths are arranged in order  b  :  any of various continua that resemble a spectrum in consisting of an ordered arrangement by a particular characteristic (as frequency or energy): as (1) :  ELECTROMAGNETIC SPECTRUM (2) :  MASS SPECTRUM  c  :  the representation (as a plot) of a spectrum  2  :  a continuous sequence or range : specif  :  a range of effectiveness against pathogenic organisms <an antibiotic with a broad >  .
 
 
 
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