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

These particles were sent through three diffraction gratings made from ultraviolet laser light. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 22 Jan. 2026

The oxygen and nitrogen molecules also emit ultraviolet light, which can only be detected by special cameras on satellites. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 21 Jan. 2026

The researchers scanned and analyzed 146 such signposts in Whitehall Forest in the state of Georgia using ultraviolet lights. —Anirban Mukhopadhyay, Scientific American, 21 Jan. 2026

Basal Cell Carcinoma often appears as a slightly transparent bump on the skin and typically occurs on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck, after long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation from sunlight, according to Mayo Clinic. —Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 19 Jan. 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