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

Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD tinctures contain either all or most of the cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, along with terpenes and flavonoids. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 25 Feb. 2025

The pope is presumably being treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics and is reportedly non-septic. —Dr. Marc Siegel Fox News, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2025

That doesn’t mean broad-spectrum CBD or standalone CBD oil without other cannabinoids won’t offer wellness benefits. —Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 24 Feb. 2025

While that formula is no longer available in the US, the brand recently launched the FDA-compliant Beauty of Joseon Daily Tinted Fluid Sunscreen, which uses zinc oxide for its SPF 40 broad-spectrum protection. —Sarah Y. Wu, Glamour, 19 Feb. 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