spectral
adjective
spec·tral
ˈspek-trəl 
1
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
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
Lapidary Journal Examples of spectral in a Sentence
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Don’t expect to see Luke Skywalker in any of the upcoming films Lucasfilm has planned — even as a spectral Force Ghost.
—James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
It was created from copper thread that had been braided and embroidered onto water-soluble fabric, then dissolved to leave spectral patterns of the thread.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 30 May 2025
However, the researchers involved with the new study have confirmed that certain areas of Europa’s surface contain crystalline ice, aligning with spectral data captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
Astronomers can then sift through that starlight and look for spectral fingerprints that hint at an atmosphere’s composition.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
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James Hibberd, HollywoodReporter, 2 June 2025
It was created from copper thread that had been braided and embroidered onto water-soluble fabric, then dissolved to leave spectral patterns of the thread.
—Liam Hess, Vogue, 30 May 2025
However, the researchers involved with the new study have confirmed that certain areas of Europa’s surface contain crystalline ice, aligning with spectral data captured by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).
—Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 29 May 2025
Astronomers can then sift through that starlight and look for spectral fingerprints that hint at an atmosphere’s composition.
—Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 12 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for spectral
Cite this Entry
“Spectral.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/spectral. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
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