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espectro

es-PEK-tro/esˈpektɾo/

spectrum

Also: range, scope
NounmB2
A vibrant rainbow arching across a clear blue sky, showing a full range of colors.

📝 In Action

El arcoíris muestra todo el espectro de colores.

B1

The rainbow shows the full spectrum of colors.

Esta medicina trata un amplio espectro de enfermedades.

B2

This medicine treats a broad range of illnesses.

Hay opiniones diferentes en todo el espectro político.

C1

There are different opinions across the entire political spectrum.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • límite (limit)

Common Collocations

  • espectro político – political spectrum
  • amplio espectro – broad spectrum
  • espectro visible – visible spectrum

ghost

Also: specter, phantom
NounmC1formal
A translucent, friendly white ghost floating in a dimly lit room.

📝 In Action

Un espectro apareció en medio de la niebla.

B2

A ghost appeared in the middle of the fog.

El espectro de la guerra asusta a la población.

C1

The specter of war scares the population.

Dicen que el castillo está habitado por espectros.

C1

They say the castle is inhabited by phantoms.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • ser vivo (living being)

Common Collocations

  • espectro aterrador – terrifying ghost

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "espectro" in Spanish:

ghost→phantom→range→scope→specter→spectrum→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: espectro

Question 1 of 3

Which word is more common for a 'cartoon ghost'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
espectral(ghostly or relating to a spectrum) — Adjective
espectroscopio(spectroscope) — Noun
espectrometría(spectrometry) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
electrocentro
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'spectrum', which originally meant an 'image', 'appearance', or 'apparition'. It comes from the root 'specere' meaning 'to look at'.

First recorded: 17th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: specterFrench: spectreItalian: spettro

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'espectro' always scary?

No! In science and politics, it's just a technical word for 'range'. It only means something scary if you are reading a horror story.

Can I use 'espectro' to talk about the Autism Spectrum?

Yes, the official term in Spanish is 'Trastorno del Espectro Autista' (TEA).

What is the difference between 'espectro' and 'gama'?

They are very similar. 'Gama' is used more for colors, sounds, or commercial products (like a 'range' of cars). 'Espectro' is used more for science (light) or abstract things (politics).