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

When such a wave washes over Earth, the radiation, consisting of X-ray and extreme ultraviolet light, interferes with radio transmissions, causing blackouts. —Tereza Pultarova, Space.com, 17 Oct. 2025

First, ultraviolet light from the Sun strikes the water-ice rings, as do plasma clouds from meteoroid strikes. —Big Think, 9 Oct. 2025

For one, ultraviolet light can suppress the immune system, Rahman says. —Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 8 Oct. 2025

Research shows these differences may make the skin more vulnerable to damage from the sun's ultraviolet rays. —Allison Aubrey, NPR, 6 Oct. 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