broad-spectrum

[ brawd-spek-truhm ]

adjective

1. noting an antibiotic, insecticide, or other chemical effective against a wide range of organisms.
2. noting a sunscreen effective in absorbing or blocking ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation.
3. having a wide range of uses:

   The questionnaire is a broad-spectrum tool for diagnosing depression and anxiety.

broad-spectrum

noun

1. modifier effective against a wide variety of diseases or microorganisms

   a broad-spectrum antibiotic

Word History and Origins

Origin of broad-spectrum¹

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

In other words, fluoride is a broad-spectrum, bipartisan, long-lasting magnet for dissent.

From The Daily Beast

Few other candidates command support across the broad spectrum of Shia political groups.

From The Daily Beast

Women's rights activists say they are a powerful force to be reckoned with, pulling together a broad spectrum of activist groups.

From The Daily Beast

“It really starts to show the broad spectrum of the deaf community,” she continued.

From The Daily Beast

They represent the really broad spectrum of shows on our schedule last year that dominated water-cooler conversation.

From The Daily Beast

Even the broad-spectrum drugs were losing their effectiveness to a dangerous degree within decades of their introduction.

From Project Gutenberg

Both types can produce geniuses, and there is, of course, a broad spectrum in between.

From Project Gutenberg

These organizations involve as large a segment of the population as possible in a broad spectrum of programs and functions.

From Project Gutenberg