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

Despite this potential, Proxima Centauri b faces extreme ultraviolet radiation from its star, which can strip away its atmosphere and complicate its habitability. —Anna Nordseth, Discover Magazine, 31 July 2024

While sun exposure does provide vitamin D, too much ultraviolet radiation from sunlight comes with its own set of health risks, from sunburns and heatstroke to skin cancer. —Alyssa Hui, Verywell Health, 30 July 2024

One is in plain sight: Ground-level ozone catalyzed by pollutants can block sunlight, dimming the ultraviolet radiation that enables the body to produce vitamin D, which plays a key role in bone development. —Bysanket Jain, science.org, 25 July 2024

Zoom in: Study participants applied either CBD cream or the same cream without cannabidiol to their skin twice a day for 14 days, then had their skin exposed to ultraviolet radiation. —Maya Goldman, Axios, 17 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing ultraviolet

• far-ultraviolet
• near-ultraviolet

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