spectrum

Where does the word "spectrum" come from? It comes from Latin spectrum, and was adopted directly into English (1610s).

Spectrum’s story begins in Latin: spectrum meant “an appearance, an image.” An appearance, an image, from specere (to look at). It reached English by 1610s as spectrum. Latin 'apparition'; Newton split sunlight through a prism in 1666. Today, spectrum means a band of colors formed when light is refracted, or a broad range of related qualities.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient spectrum "an appearance, an image", an appearance, an image, from specere (to look at).
2. Stage 2 · English · 1610s spectrum "a band of colors produced by refracted light", Latin 'apparition'; Newton split sunlight through a prism in 1666.