ultraviolet

adjective

ul·tra·vi·o·let | \ ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət

Definition of ultraviolet

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

Other Words from ultraviolet Example Sentences Phrases Containing ultraviolet Learn More About ultraviolet

Examples of ultraviolet in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Shortly after that discovery, the Swift Observatory captured the galaxy’s glow in x-rays and ultraviolet light. — Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 10 May 2022 Germicidal ultraviolet light has been demonstrated to work in reducing the transmission of several bacterial and viral infections. — William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 2 May 2022 Some species of jumping spider can see ultraviolet light and blue and green colors, Live Science's Stephanie Pappas reported in 2021. — Elizabeth Gamillo, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 Apr. 2022 Another treatment that is sometimes used is called collagen cross-linking, which uses the vitamin riboflavin along with ultraviolet light to strengthen the corneal tissue. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 11 Apr. 2022 These stars, called Population III stars, are believed to produce much higher levels of ultraviolet light than typical stars, potentially explaining HD1's brightness. — Stefanie Waldek, Scientific American, 11 Apr. 2022 While the standard glass used in car windows can block some UV radiation, a car window tint of good quality from a reputable manufacturer —if applied correctly—can help increase protection from ultraviolet radiation. — Matthew Askari, Car and Driver, 4 Apr. 2022 Ozone blankets the Earth in an invisible layer 9 to 18 miles above the ground, absorbing dangerous ultraviolet radiation from the sun. — Nidhi Subbaraman, WSJ, 17 Mar. 2022 One building will use newer methods, including filters that can remove particles 100,000 times smaller than a human hair and ultraviolet light that can effectively kill viruses. — San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Apr. 2022 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'ultraviolet.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Buying Guide

Our Reviews team has selected the best blue light glasses.

Learn More About ultraviolet

Dictionary Entries Near ultraviolet

ultraviolence

ultraviolet

ultraviolet spectrum

Statistics for ultraviolet

Last Updated

18 May 2022

Cite this Entry

“Ultraviolet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultraviolet. Accessed 20 May. 2022.

Style: MLA

MLA

Chicago

APA

Merriam-Webster Check Mark Icon

More Definitions for ultraviolet

ultraviolet

adjective

ul·tra·vi·o·let | \ ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-ə-lət

Kids Definition of ultraviolet

: relating to, producing, or being energy that is like light but has a slightly shorter wavelength and lies beyond the violet end of the spectrum

ultraviolet

adjective

ul·tra·vi·o·let | \ ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət

Medical Definition of ultraviolet

(Entry 1 of 2)

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

Medical Definition of ultraviolet (Entry 2 of 2)

: ultraviolet radiation