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

Doxycycline is a broad-spectrum antibiotic commonly prescribed for infections and acne.

Read more on Science Daily

In the long term, gaining insight into the genetic factors that help E. coli spread could lead to more targeted therapies and reduce reliance on broad-spectrum antibiotics.

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The broad-spectrum comedy producer’s magnum opus, “Saturday Night Live,” has just begun its 51st season, and Mr. Michaels, now age 80, recently donated his 500-box archive to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas at Austin.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Spending long hours reading research on LAB amid a particularly disheartening breakout, I became fixated on the idea that the key to clearer skin lay in the strategic inclusion of beneficial bacteria through probiotics rather than the indiscriminate eradication of bacteria through broad-spectrum antibiotics.

Read more on Slate

Look for broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher; it should be worn daily and reapplied every couple of hours.

Read more on Los Angeles Times