What does spectrum mean?
Word: Spectrum
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: Spectrum means a whole set of related things, from one end to the other; especially the band of colours seen in a rainbow.
Synonyms: scale
How do you spell spectrum?
Syllables: spec - trum
Tricky part: Keep the c before the t: spetrum, without it, is the usual slip, and spektrum is wrong too.
Watch out for: spetrum, spektrum
Memory tip: Act, fact and spectrum all keep a c right before the t.
Spectrum in a sentence
Example 1: Rainbows show the colours of the spectrum in order.
Example 2: Bees can see part of the light spectrum that human eyes cannot.
Example 3: The old radio picks up stations across the whole spectrum.
Fun Fact
Isaac Newton was the first to use spectrum for the band of colours in sunlight, in the 1670s; before that, the Latin word had meant an image or an appearance.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Cookie
Fill in the missing letters to complete the word:
sp_ctr_m
a) i, u
b) a, u
c) e, u
d) e, a
Show answer
c) e, u. The first vowel is a short e and the second a u.
Word Cookie
Find the extra letter in the word:
spectreum
a) t
b) u
c) r
d) e
Show answer
d) e. No e belongs after the r; spectre, a different word, is the one that ends in re.
Word Connection
Choose the synonym of the word spectrum as used in the sentence:
The show offered a wide spectrum of dance, from ballet to hip-hop.
a) range
b) history
c) audience
d) shortage
Show answer
a) range. A wide spectrum of dance is a wide range of styles, from one kind to another.
Spell-o-Spell
One of these words is misspelt. Choose what it means.
1. refraction 2. wavelength 3. prisim 4. spectrum
a) a glass block that splits white light into colours
b) the band of colours in sunlight
c) the bending of light as it passes from one material to another
d) the distance between two waves of light or sound
Show answer
a) a glass block that splits white light into colours. Prism has no i between the s and the m; spectrum, refraction and wavelength are correct.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. The colours of the visible spectrum run from red to ____.
a) brown
b) black
c) violet
d) white
Show answer
c) violet
2. Fans across the age spectrum love the film. This means ____.
a) it is for adults only
b) only teenagers love it
c) older fans dislike it
d) people of all ages love it
Show answer
d) people of all ages love it
