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

And speaking of the sunny season, the formula protects the skin from UV damage with broad-spectrum, SPF 46 protection. —Jenny Berg, Vogue, 13 June 2025

Sunglasses, wide-brimmed hats, and broad-spectrum SPF 30+ are a few ways to keep yourself safe from the sun. —Beth Ann Mayer, Parents, 11 June 2025

Avoid using pesticides and herbicides as much as possible, especially broad-spectrum products. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 11 June 2025

As beauty journalists, at least one person on our staff chats with a dermatologist on a near-daily basis, and nearly every single one praises the importance of wearing a proper broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF rating of, at the very least, 30. —Sarah Han, Allure, 11 June 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