broad-spectrum

adjective

broad-spec·​trum ˈbrȯd-ˈspek-trəm 

1

: effective against a wide range of organisms (such as insects or bacteria)

a broad-spectrum antibiotic

2

: effective in protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation by absorbing or blocking both UVA and UVB rays

broad-spectrum sunscreens

Examples of broad-spectrum in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

All are broad-spectrum antibiotics used to treat many different types of bacterial illness. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025

Available in 14 shades, this is meant to provide light to medium, buildable coverage, and broad-spectrum UVA/UV SPF 30 protection sans white cast. —Kiana Murden, Vogue, 10 Mar. 2025

Patients may also receive broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy, fever reducers and pain relievers. —Melissa Rudy, Fox News, 8 Mar. 2025

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD tinctures contain either all or most of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, along with terpenes and flavonoids. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1950, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for broad-spectrum

• electrum
• spectrum

Medical Definition

broad-spectrum

adjective

1

: effective against a wide range of organisms (as insects or bacteria)

broad-spectrum antibiotics

compare narrow-spectrum

2

: effective in protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation by absorbing or blocking both UVA and UVB rays

broad-spectrum suncreen