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 ^–6 and 1 × 10 ^–8 metres

adjective

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

   ultraviolet radiation

ultraviolet

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

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

Their experiments showed that a short blast of ultraviolet light killed the microbes and banished the stink.

From BBC

Are we not warmed by the same ultraviolet rays, quenched by the same pirated water, ensnared in the same gill net of freeways?

From Los Angeles Times

The Skin Cancer Foundation says BCC most commonly occurs when extended exposure to ultraviolet radiation, from the sun or tanning beds, causes DNA damage and uncontrollable growth of basal cells.

From Salon

The process involves intense ultraviolet lights that cure and harden the ink, ultimately searing it into the printing material.

From Los Angeles Times

Non-melanoma skin cancer is mainly caused by ultraviolet light - which comes from the sun and is used in sunbeds - and starts in the top layer of skin.

From BBC