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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The purpose of the maze target is to calibrate the positioning of the laser scanner mirror and characterize the laser's focus, which requires a target with sharply contrasting spectral responses.
—Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 6 June 2025
The spare but spectral landscapes recall Julie Taymor’s Shakespearean adaptation Titus as well as the supernal opening that Vilmos Zsigmond photographed for Scarecrow, Jerry Schatzberg’s 1970s exploration of American anomie.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 June 2025
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
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Stefanie Waldek, Space.com, 6 June 2025
The spare but spectral landscapes recall Julie Taymor’s Shakespearean adaptation Titus as well as the supernal opening that Vilmos Zsigmond photographed for Scarecrow, Jerry Schatzberg’s 1970s exploration of American anomie.
—Armond White, National Review, 4 June 2025
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
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 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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