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