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

The song has a minimalist arrangement — highlighted by a spectral slide guitar — and crystalline vocal harmonies, which add a glow to its message of hope for better days ahead. —Maura Johnston, Vulture, 19 Dec. 2024

The team—which includes two brothers who originally spotted 2024 PT5—revealed the asteroid’s chemical composition by spectral analysis. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024

This connection to our moon is further strengthened by spectral analysis, which shows that 2024 PT5's chemical composition closely matches lunar samples brought back by both Russian Luna missions and NASA's Apollo program. —Tom Rogers, Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2024

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