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

Scientists are now especially interested in how these structures evolve, fragment or interact with other molecules under the influence of ultraviolet light, cosmic rays and shocks in interstellar space. —Victoria Corless, Space.com, 30 June 2025

This treatment uses ultraviolet light to heal your skin and improve flare-ups. —Carrie Madormo, Health, 29 June 2025

The various kinds of light span the visible, infrared, radio, and ultraviolet wavelengths. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 June 2025

The first method tried to find high-energy particles through tracking their interaction with water in tanks on Earth; the second method looked for particles’ interactions with ultraviolet light high in the atmosphere. —Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 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