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broad-spectrum

adjective

Definition of broad-spectrum

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

First Known Use of broad-spectrum

1950

in the meaning defined above

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Medical Dictionary

broad-spectrum

adjective

medical Definition of broad-spectrum

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

Learn More about broad-spectrum

  1. See words that rhyme with broad-spectrum

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