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

The first stars and galaxies were flooding the universe with ultraviolet light and stripping electrons from hydrogen atoms in the surrounding soup of gas. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 14 Jan. 2026

The citric acid helps break the bond between the stain and the fibers, the salt works as a gentle abrasive, and the ultraviolet rays of the sun and the mild bleaching action of the acid leave fabrics whiter and brighter. —Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 13 Jan. 2026

Beyond light control, the transparent wood offers strong protection against ultraviolet radiation. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Jan. 2026

Most turtle tank setups will require the additional purchase of UVB ultraviolet bulbs and fixtures, as well as a water heater. —Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 9 Jan. 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