spectrally
|spek-trə-li|
/ˈspɛktrəli/
(spectral)
ghostlike; relating to a spectrum
Etymology
'spectral' originates from Latin (via New/Medieval Latin), specifically the word 'spectrum', where 'spectrum' meant 'appearance' or 'image' (from Latin 'specere', to look).
'spectral' changed from New/Medieval Latin 'spectralis' (derived from 'spectrum') and entered English as 'spectral' (and then the adverbial form 'spectrally').
Initially it related to an 'appearance' or 'image'; over time it came to mean both 'relating to a spectrum' in scientific contexts and 'ghostlike/appearing like a specter' in figurative use.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a manner relating to a spectrum or spectra (e.g., wavelengths, frequencies); as revealed by spectral analysis or measured across a spectrum.
The source was examined spectrally to identify its emission lines.
Synonyms
Adverb 2
in a ghostly, phantom-like, or eerie manner (figurative use).
The old theater looked spectrally lit in the morning mist.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2026/01/14 17:32