continuous spectrum

noun

Physics.

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

continuous spectrum

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of continuous spectrum¹

First recorded in 1900–05

Example Sentences

A spectral line is a dark or bright line within a continuous spectrum.

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

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

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Physically, the rainbow is a continuous spectrum.

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New abortion bans oversimplify the reality of obstetric care, physicians say, placing a binary on what is a continuous spectrum of increasing risk.

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