broad-spectrum
Covering many types
Broad-spectrum describes something effective against a wide range of targets.
A broad-spectrum antibiotic kills many types of bacteria rather than specific strains.
A broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
The term extends beyond medicine: a broad-spectrum approach to education reform.
The opposite is narrow-spectrum, targeting specific things.
Fungus-derived infection fighter
- amoxicillinPenicillin-type bacteria killer
- tetracyclineBroad-spectrum bacterial treatment
- cephalosporinBeta-lactam antibiotic family
- azithromycinMacrolide antibacterial medication
doxycycline · ciprofloxacin · clindamycin · quinolone · antimicrobial · bactericidal · bacteriostatic · resistance
Having many uses
- all-purposeSuitable for everything
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- flexibleAble to bend freely
- multipurposeUseful for varied applications
universal · polyvalent · cross-functional · multiuse · convertible · nonspecific · one-size-fits-all
Including everything without exception
- holisticAddressing interconnected wholes
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- exhaustiveCovering all possibilities
- integratedCombined into a whole
systematic · full-scale · sweeping · in-depth · panoptic · encyclopedic · unified · multifaceted
penicillin
Fungus-derived infection fighter
- amoxicillinPenicillin-type bacteria killer
- tetracyclineBroad-spectrum bacterial treatment
- cephalosporinBeta-lactam antibiotic family
azithromycin · doxycycline · ciprofloxacin · clindamycin · quinolone · antimicrobial · bactericidal · bacteriostatic · resistance · superinfection
multifunctional
Having many uses
- all-purposeSuitable for everything
- adaptableAble to adjust readily
- flexibleAble to bend freely
multipurpose · universal · polyvalent · cross-functional · multiuse · convertible · nonspecific · one-size-fits-all
all-encompassing
Including everything without exception
- holisticAddressing interconnected wholes
- thoroughComplete in every detail
- exhaustiveCovering all possibilities
integrated · systematic · full-scale · sweeping · in-depth · panoptic · encyclopedic · unified · multifaceted · overarching
- SunscreenSPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 50, SPF, sunblock
- antibioticsamoxicillin, penicillin, ampicillin, ciprofloxacin, azithromycin
- cleaning propertiesantibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, disinfectant, disinfecting
- CBDcannabidiol, CBD, hemp, tincture, gummies
- Biocidesbiocide, biocidal, germicide, germicidal, disinfectant
broad-spectrumnarrow-spectrum
Acting on limited range
narrow · limited · restricted · circumscribed · specific
broad-spectrumtargeted
Chosen for specific attention
selective · narrow-spectrum · specific · species-specific · precision
broad, broadcast, inspect, spectrum, spectacle, spectator, spectacular, speculate, broadly