on the spectrum
/ˌɑn ðə ˈspɛktɹəm/
Word Rarity
Uncommon
Frequency: Zipf frequency 4.26 in modern English
22
Scrabble Score
13
Letters
2
Syllables
11
Unique Chars
Meaning
prep_phrase
Having autism spectrum disorder or exhibiting traits relating to or within the autism spectrum; autistic.
Informal
prep_phrase
Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on, spectrum.
Example Sentences
- "This sensitivity leads me to understand that there are sections that may not be appropriate for some, particularly younger people on the spectrum."
- "Teens of all levels of functioning on the spectrum do not handle vague information well."
- "might slag the project as monotonous or, more callously, "on the spectrum""
- "[Infrared light] waves are too long to see, but they have enough energy to make your skin feel warm. They come right before visible light on the spectrum."
- "The basic spectrum model is often coupled with the sex-gender distinction, whereby one's sex is seen as binary and immutable but one's gender can be anywhere on the spectrum."
- "This subsection marks out the different points on the spectrum, starting with a minimal level and moving to a higher level of engagement."
Etymology
Referring to the fact that autism is regarded as a spectrum disorder, that is, manifesting with varying symptoms and severity in different people.
Regional Pronunciation
- American English: /ˌɑn ðə ˈspɛktɹəm/
- British English: /ˌɒn ðə ˈspɛktɹəm/