continuous spectrum

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a spectrum apparently having all wavelengths over a comparatively wide range, usually characteristic of solids and other substances at high temperatures.

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continuous spectrum British  

noun

1. a spectrum that contains or appears to contain all wavelengths but not spectrum lines over a wide portion of its range. The emission spectrum of incandescent solids is continuous; bremsstrahlung spectra consisting of a large number of lines may appear continuous

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Etymology

Origin of continuous spectrum

First recorded in 1900–05

Compare meaning

How does continuous-spectrum compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• continuous spectrum vs. line spectrum

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

continuous spectrum

"For us, it's a continuous spectrum of when we can see objects at night and when we can't."

From BBC ● Aug. 31, 2026

His current best theory is that it’s generated by quantum processes, suggesting that awareness exists on a continuous spectrum across all matter rather than remaining the exclusive domain of mammalian brains.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 5, 2026

Instead of a continuous spectrum like sunlight, which spreads smoothly across all colors, the Crab Pulsar produces distinct, separated bands.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 28, 2026

In both instruments, each pixel is a continuous spectrum of colours which enables the researchers to produce the true colours of both planets.

From BBC ● Jan. 5, 2024

Thus nebulæ fall into two classes: the ``white'' nebulæ, giving a continuous spectrum; and the ``green'' nebulæ whose spectra are distinctly gaseous.

From Curiosities of the Sky by Garrett Putman Serviss