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

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

If a star approaches or recedes from us, the wavelengths of light in its continuous spectrum appear shortened or lengthened, respectively, as do those of the dark lines.

From Textbooks • Oct. 13, 2016

It is this which yields the continuous spectrum, free from dark lines.

From Scientific American Supplement, No. 648, June 2, 1888. by Various