1610s, "apparition, specter," from Latin spectrum (plural spectra) "an appearance, image, apparition, specter," from specere "to look at, view" (see scope (n.1)). Meaning "visible band showing the successive colors, formed from a beam of light passed through a prism" first recorded 1670s. Figurative sense of "entire range (of something)" is from 1936.
双语例句
1. Politicians across the political spectrum have denounced the act.
各党派的政客们都对该行为表示谴责。
来自柯林斯例句
2. The two politicians represent opposite poles of the political spectrum.
这两位从政者代表了政界的两个极端。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The term "special needs" covers a wide spectrum of problems.
“特殊需求”一词包含的问题范围很广。
来自柯林斯例句
4. The political spectrum has broadened.
政治范围得到了扩大。
来自柯林斯例句
5. A spectrum is formed by a ray of light passing through a prism.