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

It is used for dynamic camouflage, communication, thermoregulation, or ultraviolet light protection. —Grrlscientist, Forbes, 26 Nov. 2024

The spacecraft's instruments captured the sun's grainy surface in visible light while also mapping its magnetic field, tracking the direction hot material on the surface is flowing and snapping a mesmerizing image in ultraviolet light of the sun's outermost layer, known as the corona. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 25 Nov. 2024

Solar flares release radiation in the form of ultraviolet light and X-rays that travel to Earth at light speed. —Brandi D. Addison, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024

There is no way for humans, with their own specific ways of perceiving and being in the world, to fully understand the perspective of a chicken – a dinosaur descendant that can see ultraviolet light and has a 300-degree field of vision. —Melanie Stetson Freeman, The Christian Science Monitor, 22 Nov. 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