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
Recent Examples on the Web
In his music, the phrase takes on a spectral weight: five leaves left on a tree, trembling as summer slips into fall; five moments of clarity before sleep; five truths too delicate for morning.
—arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Each material, including pollutants, has a unique spectral signature that allows scientists to identify it.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Though this technique is still restricted to a small number of planets beyond the solar system, this research exemplifies the capability of the JWST to provide high-quality spectral data for exoplanets.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025
The game’s narrative eventually shows the player how digital systems can be co-opted for political purposes by the companies that run them, and how the spectral frisson of virtual likes and online exchanges can, in time, flatten us.
—Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 2025
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arkansasonline.com, 5 July 2025
Each material, including pollutants, has a unique spectral signature that allows scientists to identify it.
—Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 June 2025
Though this technique is still restricted to a small number of planets beyond the solar system, this research exemplifies the capability of the JWST to provide high-quality spectral data for exoplanets.
—Robert Lea, Space.com, 11 June 2025
The game’s narrative eventually shows the player how digital systems can be co-opted for political purposes by the companies that run them, and how the spectral frisson of virtual likes and online exchanges can, in time, flatten us.
—Simon Parkin, The Atlantic, 23 June 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 20 Jul. 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
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