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

The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites. —Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 7 Nov. 2025

The lack of heavy elements could impact the abundance of COMs, while the ultraviolet radiation could affect the rate of chemical reactions. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Airplane windows don’t fully block ultraviolet rays, so dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen—especially in the window seat. —Iona Brannon, Travel + Leisure, 2 Nov. 2025

When placed under ultraviolet lighting, six species of the critters were found to emit a green luminescence. —Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 29 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