spectral

adjective

spec·​tral ˈspek-trəl How to pronounce spectral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : ghostly
We felt a spectral presence in the old ballroom.
No ghost stood beside me, nor anything of spectral aspect; merely a motherly, dumpy little woman, in a large shawl, a wrapping-gown, and a clean, trim nightcap.Charlotte Brontë
2
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
especially : relating to or derived from the electromagnetic spectrum of visible light
Surfaces can differ in the proportion of incident light they reflect (dark ones reflect less than light ones) and in the spectral composition of the light they reflect. Principles Of Neural Science
Their examination supported the opinion that the stone was mined in India and cut in London. They also found that the spectral characteristics overlap those of known treated green diamonds. Lapidary Journal
spectrally adverb

Examples of spectral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sounding curiously spectral, the group is an essentially trippy element in the psychedelic swirl. Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Vulture, 8 Oct. 2024 The Mexican researchers knew from research in other countries that successful detection with these techniques depends, in part, on being able to recognize how carcasses (and their spectral images) change in different soils and climates. Geraldine Castro, WIRED, 1 Nov. 2024 Her spectral exploits led her to serve as a consultant for the television series Ghost Whisperer starring Jennifer Love Hewitt and she's written a number of books, including When Ghosts Speak: Understanding the World of Earthbound Spirits. Susan Young, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 The team developed a new tool that highlights unique spectral features in plastics. Mack Degeurin, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for spectral 

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of spectral was in 1769

Dictionary Entries Near spectral

Cite this Entry

“Spectral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectral. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

spectral

adjective
spec·​tral ˈspek-trəl How to pronounce spectral (audio)
1
: of, relating to, or suggesting a specter : ghostly
2
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum

Medical Definition

spectral

adjective
spec·​tral ˈspek-trəl How to pronounce spectral (audio)
: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum
spectrally adverb

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