ultraviolet

[ uhl-truh-vahy-uh-lit ]

adjective

1. beyond the violet in the spectrum, corresponding to light having wavelengths shorter than 4000 angstrom units.
2. pertaining to, producing, or utilizing light having such wavelengths:

   an ultraviolet lamp.

noun

1. ultraviolet radiation.

ultraviolet

/ ˌʌltrəˈvaɪəlɪt /

noun

1. the part of the electromagnetic spectrum with wavelengths shorter than light but longer than X-rays; in the range 0.4 × 10 ^–6and 1 × 10 ^–8metres

adjective

1. of, relating to, or consisting of radiation lying in the ultraviolet UV

   ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet

/ ŭl′trə-vī′ə-lĭt /

Adjective

1. Relating to electromagnetic radiation having frequencies higher than those of visible light but lower than those of x-rays, approximately 10 ¹⁵–10 ¹⁶ hertz. Some animals, such as bees, are capable of seeing ultraviolet radiation invisible to the human eye.
2. See more at electromagnetic spectrum

Noun

1. Ultraviolet light or the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.
2. See Note at infrared

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultraviolet¹

First recorded in 1870–75; ultra- + violet

Example Sentences

Other creatures have visual systems that are responsive to different frequencies of light, with birds and butterflies able to perceive wavelengths in the ultraviolet range.

From Salon

The chemical is used in plastic for protection against ultraviolet rays, as well as for other commercial uses.

From Los Angeles Times

The optics company spent years developing an ultra-flat mirror which has become a key component in the machines which print computer chips, called extreme ultraviolet lithography machines, or EUVs.

From BBC

This is the best method of protection from harmful ultraviolet rays that are associated with skin damage and health risks.

From BBC

"The different polymers we have today can be tailored specifically to certain things like spike resistance and ultraviolet light resistance," he says.

From BBC