rhizoverbBeta
DictionarygamutComplete range
noun

gamut

GAM-ut/ɡˈæmʌt/

The full range or scope of something.

The swatches display a broad gamut of colors.

An open artist’s color-swatch fan displays a complete visible progression of hues, from reds through oranges, yellows, greens, blues and violets, with a separate tonal progression from white through grays to black.
Etymology
gamLatingamma; sign for low G
+utLatinfirst solmization syllable

Gamma and ut together named the lowest note of the medieval musical scale. The name extended to the whole scale or a voice's range, then to the complete range of anything.

In context

U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission81:43
come up with an array of distributions, that kind of cover the gamut of possibilities
Briefing Matter: Table Saws-Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

More examples

  • His emotions ran the gamut from hope to despair.
  • The menu covers a wide gamut of flavors.
  • The display reproduced a broad color gamut.

Forms

gamut · gamuts

Similar words

range
Range is the everyday equivalent; gamut often emphasizes the complete span.
spectrum
Spectrum describes a continuous spread; gamut can include a full variety without strict continuity.