ultra

¹

[ uhl-truh ]

adjective

1. going beyond what is usual or ordinary; excessive; extreme.

noun

1. an extremist, as in politics, religion, fashion, etc.
2. Ultra, Military. the British code name for intelligence gathered by decrypting German wireless communications enciphered on the Enigma machine during World War II.

ultra-

²

1. a prefix occurring originally in loanwords from Latin, with the basic meaning “on the far side of, beyond.” In relation to the base to which it is prefixed, ultra- has the senses “located beyond, on the far side of ” ( ultramontane; ultraviolet ), “carrying to the furthest degree possible, on the fringe of ” ( ultraleft; ultramodern ), “extremely” ( ultralight ); nouns to which it is added denote, in general, objects, properties, phenomena, etc., that surpass customary norms, or instruments designed to produce or deal with such things ( ultramicroscope; ultrasound; ultrastructure ).

ultra

¹

/ ˈʌltrə /

adjective

1. extreme or immoderate, esp in beliefs or opinions

noun

1. an extremist

ultra-

²

prefix

1. beyond or surpassing a specified extent, range, or limit

   ultramicroscopic

2. extreme or extremely

   ultramodern

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultra¹

Independent use of ultra-, or shortening of words prefixed with it

Origin of ultra²

From Latin ultrā (adverb and preposition) “on the far side,” derivative of ulter (unrecorded) “located beyond”

Word History and Origins

Origin of ultra¹

C19: from Latin: beyond, from ulter distant

Origin of ultra²

from Latin ultrā beyond; see ultra

Example Sentences

Bonin, in an interview, said he is happy with Tuesday’s results, saying he expects Jurado will expand the council’s bloc of ultra progressive council members.

From Los Angeles Times

He has also proposed new cuts which would eliminate taxes on overtime, social security and tips income, and grant domestic manufacturers an ultra low corporate rate of 15%.

From BBC

Dr Loughrey added: “Patients with mental health problems, the frail, the elderly and the vulnerable are the least able to be able to tolerate those ultra long delays in A&E departments”

From BBC

The move would target "luxury or ultra luxury" vehicles, meaning "an additional tax is not likely to make much of a difference on volumes," Bill Russo, from advisory firm Automobility, told the BBC.

From BBC

These days, she describes herself as “ultra MAGA” and “proud of it.”

From New York Times