spectral
UK: ˈspɛktrəl | US: ˈspɛktrəl
adj. relating to or resembling a specter; ghostly
adj. of or pertaining to a spectrum (e.g., light or energy wavelengths)
The word "spectral" derives from the Latin root spect-, meaning "to see" or "to look," which also gives rise to words like "spectacle" and "inspect." The suffix -al turns the noun into an adjective. Originally, "spectral" described ghostly apparitions ("things seen"), later expanding in scientific contexts to describe phenomena observed across a spectrum (e.g., light). The dual meaning reflects both the eerie visibility of ghosts and the visible bands of light in physics.
The old mansion had a spectral glow at midnight.
Scientists analyzed the spectral lines to identify the star’s composition.
Her pale face looked almost spectral in the moonlight.
The device measures spectral reflectance in plants.
Legends speak of spectral figures haunting the castle ruins.