spectral

adjective

spec·​tral ˈspek-trəl 

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

ˈspek-trə-lē 

adverb

Examples of spectral in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Data can be encoded in both the frequency and depth of these spectral holes. —Thomas Coughlin, Forbes, 11 Dec. 2024

Yun Zeng, a brilliant young horn player who this year assumed a co-principal position alongside Dohr, delivered a spectral solo that glowed through the murk and then was swallowed up in it. —Alex Ross, The New Yorker, 9 Dec. 2024

That's where an experimental new spectral sensor comes in, as it's mounted directly on the underside of individual plants' leaves. —New Atlas, 27 Nov. 2024

Rita walking through the spectral halls at night, always wearing her wings, is the image of a heavenly creature trapped in an inescapable abyss. —Carlos Aguilar, Variety, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1769, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing spectral

• spectral line

Kids Definition

spectral

adjective

spec·​tral ˈspek-trəl 

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 

: of, relating to, or made by a spectrum

spectrally adverb