ultraviolet

adjective

ul·​tra·​vi·​o·​let ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

: situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end

—used of radiation having a wavelength shorter than wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays

2

: relating to, producing, or employing ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet noun

Examples of ultraviolet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a Scientific American article from 1927, Harold Bastin, a respected entomologist and photographer, reported that insects have sensory experiences that people cannot imagine: ants, for example, can see ultraviolet light. —Shayla Love, The New Yorker, 5 Jan. 2025

Somatic mutations occur after conception—after egg meets sperm—and continue over our lives, spurred by exposure to tobacco smoke, ultraviolet light, or other harmful substances. —Jason Liebowitz, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2025

These nanoparticles reflect much of the ultraviolet light that is present in sunlight, keeping it from reaching and damaging the underlying skin. —Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 23 Dec. 2024

According to the Mayo Clinic, most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light and usually affect skin on the face, arms, back and legs. —Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ultraviolet

• far-ultraviolet
• near-ultraviolet

Kids Definition

ultraviolet

adjective

ul·​tra·​vi·​o·​let ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-ə-lət 

1

: located beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end and having a wavelength shorter than those of visible light but longer than those of X-rays

2

: relating to, producing, or using ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet noun

Medical Definition

ultraviolet

1 of 2 adjective

ul·​tra·​vi·​o·​let ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət 

1

: situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end

—used of radiation having a wavelength shorter than wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays

2

: relating to, producing, or employing ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet

2 of 2 noun

: ultraviolet radiation