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

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

In both instruments, each pixel is a continuous spectrum of colours.

From Science Daily • Jan. 4, 2024

Now all solid and liquid bodies when raised to a white heat give a continuous spectrum, one like the prismatic band already described, and one not interrupted by any dark lines or bands.

From The Chemistry of Hat Manufacturing Lectures Delivered Before the Hat Manufacturers' Association by Shonk, Albert