ultra
- going beyond what is usual or ordinary; excessive; extreme.
- an extremist, as in politics, religion, fashion, etc.
- (initial capital letter) Military. the British code name for intelligence gathered by decrypting German wireless communications enciphered on the Enigma machine during World War II.
Origin of ultra
ultra-
- 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).
Origin of ultra-
ne plus ultra
- the highest point; acme.
- the most intense degree of a quality or state.
Origin of ne plus ultra
Related Words for ultra
drastic, excessive, extremist, fanatical, far-out, gone, immoderate, outlandish, rabid, radical, revolutionary, outreExamples from the Web for ultra
Contemporary Examples of ultra
They then become members of the ultra elite Unit 121, granted premium housing and a well-stocked cupboard.
Of course, it took the legitimization of the ultra sexy corset for women to decide to abandon it.
The pieces created a slight camouflage, utilizing lace, geometric patterns, and flowers to create an ultra light fabric.
David Bailey is best known for his ultra glam photos of the fashionable and famous.
Guys are built differently, not every guy needs a Magnum or Ultra Magnum even, if they think they do.
Historical Examples of ultra
None of the groundcars at Ultra Vires was in operating condition.
Rebels of the Red PlanetCharles Louis Fontenay
Ultra Vires' radio transmitter and receiver had been dismantled.
Rebels of the Red PlanetCharles Louis Fontenay
Can't touch him on the ultra, so I'm going onto the macro-bands.
TriplanetaryEdward Elmer Smith
The "Secret Orchard" is set in the midst of the ultra modern society.
The Coast of ChanceEsther Chamberlain
He thought of the ultra radio—where could he get all the materials needed?
Spacehounds of IPCEdward Elmer Smith
ultra
- extreme or immoderate, esp in beliefs or opinions
- an extremist
Word Origin for ultra
ne plus ultra
- the extreme or perfect point or state
Word Origin for ne plus ultra
ultra-
- beyond or surpassing a specified extent, range, or limitultramicroscopic
- extreme or extremelyultramodern
Word Origin for ultra-
Word Origin and History for ultra
ultra-
prefix meaning "beyond" (ultraviolet) or "extremely" (ultramodern), from Latin ultra- from ultra (adv. and prep.) "beyond, on the further side," from PIE *al- "beyond." In common use from early 19c., it appears to have arisen from French political designations. As its own word, a noun meaning "extremist" of various stripes, it is first recorded 1817, from French ultra, shortening of ultra-royaliste "extreme royalist."
ne plus ultra
"utmost limit to which one can go," Latin, literally "no more beyond;" the motto traditionally inscribed on the Pillars of Hercules.
ultra-
- Beyond; on the other side of:ultraviolet.
- Beyond the range, scope, or limit of:ultrasonic.