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

Bemotrizinol is a chemical that provides broad-spectrum protection against both ultraviolet A and B rays. —Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 11 Dec. 2025

The team gathered a trove of data that reshapes the existing timeline, pointing to our origins as a broad-spectrum species. —New Atlas, 4 Dec. 2025

Aside from a heaping serving of broad-spectrum SPF 50, this formula delivers nourishing additives like collagen and peptides that bridge the gap between skin tint and moisturizer. —Lily Wohlner, Allure, 29 Nov. 2025

Brands sell full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate versions of these oils — a rule of thumb that can also be applied to most THC products. —Surina Venkat, The Hill, 14 Nov. 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