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

To optimize the conditions, ultraviolet lights have been part of the regular treatment plan at the stadium to lengthen the growing season. — Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

These compounds quickly destroy the stratospheric ozone, the gas that filters out harmful ultraviolet radiation from the sun. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

In the meantime, analysts say TSMC is adding tools like ASML's extreme ultraviolet lithography machines to existing factories to ramp up capacity. — Katie Tarasov, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2026

Scientists at the University of California, Riverside have taken a closer look at the chain of chemical reactions involved in destroying PFAS using ultraviolet light and sulfite. — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 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