broad-spectrum
Americanadjective
-
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.
noun
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.
According to the researchers, sunlight's broad spectrum helps support quasi-phase matching inside the nonlinear crystal, allowing the production of large numbers of position-correlated photon pairs.
From Science Daily • May 18, 2026
The family told Adam the successful candidate should ideally also have knowledge of or interest in horse-riding, skiing, the arts and music so as to influence the child in a broad spectrum of interests.
From BBC • Nov. 10, 2025
High schools also need to do a better job highlighting the broad spectrum of career options available in STEM.
From Salon • Oct. 24, 2024
“I just don’t know what makes an Olympic sport,” Raygun said, noting the broad spectrum of disciplines in the Games from dressage to artistic swimming to the 100-meter dash.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 9, 2024
These organizations involve as large a segment of the population as possible in a broad spectrum of programs and functions.
From Area Handbook for Romania by Bernier, Donald W.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
