ultraviolet

American  

[uhl-truh-vahy-uh-lit] / ˌʌl trəˈvaɪ ə lɪt /

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.

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noun

1. ultraviolet radiation.

ultraviolet British  

/ 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 ^–6 and 1 × 10 ^–8 metres

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adjective

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

   ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet Scientific  

/ ŭl′trə-vī′ə-lĭt /

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

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1. Ultraviolet light or the ultraviolet part of the spectrum.

2. See Note at infrared

Etymology

Origin of ultraviolet

First recorded in 1870–75; ultra- + violet

Compare meaning

How does ultraviolet compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• infrared vs. ultraviolet

Example Sentences

They found that galaxies within about a million light-years of the quasar showed weaker O III emissions compared to their ultraviolet light.

From Science Daily

Young, hot stars emit intense ultraviolet radiation, which energizes nearby gas, Kewley explains.

From Science Daily

Analysts predict future logic and memory chips will require increased use of ASML’s extreme ultraviolet lithography tools.

From Barron's

According to the team's models, these gases form when ultraviolet radiation from the host star, the red dwarf L 98-59, drives chemical reactions.

From Science Daily

Laboratory research has demonstrated that these compounds can form when icy dust grains containing methanol or blends of carbon dioxide and ammonia are exposed to ultraviolet light or gentle heating.

From Science Daily