adjective
-
of or like a spectre
-
of or relating to a spectrum
spectral colours
-
physics (of a physical quantity) relating to a single wavelength of radiation
spectral luminous efficiency
Other Word Forms
- nonspectral adjective
- nonspectrality noun
- nonspectrally adverb
- spectrality noun
- spectrally adverb
- spectralness noun
Etymology
Origin of spectral
First recorded in 1710–20; from Latin spectr(um) ( specter ) + -al 1
Explanation
When something is spectral, it has a ghostlike quality; it seems to vanish or disappear. You may have heard of ghosts referred to as "specters": that means that they're spectral. You may recognize the spect part of the adjective spectral from words like "spectacle," "spectrum," and "spectacular." All of these words share a similar meaning, which comes from the Latin verb specere, "look at, view." When something is spectral, think of it as something ghostly, something you can see but not touch — though it won't always mean that literally. For example, after a long illness, someone might have a spectral appearance.
Vocabulary lists containing spectral
The Vocabulary.com Top 1000
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"Paul Revere's Ride" by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
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"The Pit and the Pendulum" by Edgar Allan Poe
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The installation puts people inside that spectral array of color to capture the essence of those sunrises and sunsets.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2026
During the tests, the robot moved autonomously toward selected targets, positioned its instruments using the robotic arm, and transmitted images and spectral data for analysis.
From Science Daily • Apr. 8, 2026
And Fabian Gamper’s spectral cinematography sometimes incorporates POV shots that produce the sensation that we, the viewer, are physically touring these long-abandoned rooms.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2026
Gomez resonated with the spectral 1982 ballad “El Muchacho de Los Ojos Tristes,” as originally recorded by the O.G. sad girl en español, Jeanette.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 18, 2025
It sounded so wrong, like butterfly jam, or spectral steaks.
From "Strange the Dreamer" by Laini Taylor
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
