These ROOT-WORDS are SPEC, SPECT & SPECTRO which mean WATCH, SEE & OBSERVE . They come from the Latin spectare and specto. From a simple SPECTacle we slip into science and space science which employs “out of the world" vocabulary.
1. Spectacle : SPECT acle (spek’ ta k’l) n.
A show; as, a gorgeous spectacle
2. Spectacular : SPECT acular (spek tak; yu lar) adj.
Appealing to the sight; thrilling
3. Spectator : SPECT ator (spec’ tate er) n.
One who looks on; an observer
4. Specter : SPECT er (spek; ter) n.
A disembodied spirit; a ghost
5. Spectral : SPECT ral (spek’ tral) adj.
Relating to a specter; ghostlike
6. Spectrogram : SPECTRO gram (spek’ tro gram) n.
7. Spectrum : SPECT rum (spek’ trum) n.
Wavelengths of color, from red to violet; an afterimage
8. Spectroscope : SPECTRO scope (spek’ tro skope) n.
An instrument used to analyze spectra
9. Spectrophone : SPECTRO phone (spek’ tro fone) n.
The science of analyzing spectra
10. Spectrology : SPECTRO logy (spek troll’ o ji) n.
The science of spectrums
11. Spectrohelioscope: SPECTRO helioscope(spek tro he’ li o skope) n.
An instrument for the observation of the sun
12. Spectroheliograph: SPECTRO heliograph (spek tro hee’ li o graf) n.
An instrument which combines use of spectroscope, camera and telescope
13. Spectrometry : SPECTRO metry (spek trom’ e tree) n.
The measuring of wavelengths of rays
14. Spectrophobia : SPECTRO phobia (spek tro foe’ bi a) n.
15. Species : SPES ies (spee’ sheze) n.
Kinds; varieties; types
16. Special : SPE ial (spesh’ ul) adj.
Relating to some particular quality
17. Specialist : SPEC ialist (spesh’ u list) n.
One who is expert in a special activity
18. Specimen : SPE imen (spes’ i men) n.
A sample of a certain kind or thing
19. Specious : SPEC ious (spee’ shus) adj.
Pleasing to the eye but deceptive