Synonyms

broad-spectrum

American

[brawd-spek-truhm] / ˈbrɔdˈspɛk trəm /

adjective

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

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

broad-spectrum British

noun

(modifier) effective against a wide variety of diseases or microorganisms

a broad-spectrum antibiotic

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of broad-spectrum

First recorded in 1950–55

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Some brands, like Chantecaille, are reformulating products to make them mineral-based; a new version of its Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Primer, made with mineral ingredients, will be introduced next year.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 10, 2019

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023