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

Before a pivotal moment called the epoch of reionization — when the universe finally became transparent to ultraviolet light — the gas was indeed mostly cold. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 4 May 2026

For instance, exposure to ultraviolet light caused most of the lighter and clear plastics to yellow and the darker ones to bleach. —Doyle Rice, USA Today, 4 May 2026

Researchers are currently conducting laboratory testing of potassium chloride on golden mussel mortality and completing a design for ultraviolet disinfection systems, according to the CDWR. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 1 May 2026

Ozone layer damage results in dangerous increases in ultraviolet solar radiation, which has been linked to harmful health effects, including skin cancers and cataracts, the DOJ said. —Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ultraviolet

• far-ultraviolet
• near-ultraviolet

Rhymes for ultraviolet

• inviolate
• violet

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