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

This presents a tremendous advantage over classical antennas, which require an unwieldy collection of static, often large, antennas to achieve broad-spectrum awareness. —Paul Lipman, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025

To help prevent infestations, avoid using broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficial insects along with the mites. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 3 Apr. 2025

Thankfully, our year-long testing and research has yielded quite a few formulas that can give you the broad-spectrum sun protection your head deserves without slicking strands. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 2 Apr. 2025

Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreens with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 can help protect against sun damage.1 2. —Ann Pietrangelo, Verywell Health, 27 Mar. 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