spectral

[spek-truhl]

adjective

1. of or relating to a specter; ghostly; phantom.

2. resembling or suggesting a specter.

3. of, relating to, or produced by a spectrum or spectra.

4. resembling or suggesting a spectrum or spectra.

spectral

/ spɛkˈtrælɪtɪ, ˈspɛktrəl /

adjective

1. of or like a spectre

2. of or relating to a spectrum

   spectral colours

3. physics (of a physical quantity) relating to a single wavelength of radiation

   spectral luminous efficiency

Other Word Forms

• spectrality noun
• spectralness noun
• spectrally adverb
• nonspectral adjective
• nonspectrally adverb
• nonspectrality noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of spectral¹

First recorded in 1710–20; from Latin spectr(um) ( specter ) + -al ¹

Example Sentences

This dual capability offers new insights into the acceleration limits of astrophysical sources and the spectral signatures they contribute.

Read more on Science Daily

Researchers said that if both spectral features are confirmed, the object cannot be an isolated dark star, but rather may be a dark star embedded in a metal rich environment.

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Upon opening the door, the man finds “darkness there and nothing more,” though just out of his view we can see a spectral figure floating in the hallway.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There’s also a ghost in the movie, I think — at least, there’s a heavy hinge that shouldn’t be able to open without a spectral nudge.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

What’s left is a spectral scene, ghosted by the limitations of old black-and-white photographic technology and further heightened by the uneven glow generated by the camera’s flashbulb.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• eerie 
• shadowy