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

Risk of the condition, which often results from overexposure to ultraviolet light, is seemingly growing in people under 40, the Mayo Clinic reports, especially among women. —Anna Kaufman, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2025

The most common source of that damage is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 30 July 2025

Around many of the baby stars, which are bursting out of the molecular cloud as their ultraviolet radiation cuts through the gas, are protoplanetary disks. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 13 July 2025

Zero Spandex textiles are also breathable and durable with ultraviolet protection built in. —Sj Studio, Sourcing Journal, 22 July 2025

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