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

Glanville says that exact copies of human antibodies could pose less risk of adverse reactions than those based on animal antibodies and broad-spectrum synthetic antibodies designed with computational approaches. —Katherine Bourzac, Scientific American, 7 May 2025

What to Do Instead of Base Tanning Use sunscreen daily: Preferably one that is broad-spectrum (protection from UVA and UVB rays) and with a minimum SPF of 30. —Laura Schober, Health, 6 May 2025

The ultra-sheer formula leaves no white residue behind, yet still protects with broad-spectrum SPF 30—exactly what the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends. —Brigitt Earley, Glamour, 2 May 2025

In larger farm animals, including horses and cattle, ivermectin is used as a broad-spectrum medication to treat parasitic infections. —Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 24 Apr. 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