UPF

American  

abbreviation

1. ultraviolet protection factor: the effectiveness of clothing fabrics in protecting the skin from the sun’s ultraviolet UVA and UVB radiation, rated on a scale of increasing protectiveness, the number being the ratio of the radiation dose needed to produce minimal redness when wearing the fabric compared to the dose needed to produce the same redness when not wearing it.

   A shirt with a UPF of 50 will reduce your ultraviolet exposure by 50 times (98% UV blockage).

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Etymology

Origin of UPF

First recorded in 1985–90

Example Sentences

A watered-down definition, meanwhile, could end up allowing certain ultraprocessed foods to fly under the radar, especially if food companies find a way to get around whatever UPF definition or label is proposed.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 23, 2026

Using a validated and widely used food classification system, individuals were then divided into four groups based on their level of UPF intake, ranging from lowest to highest.

From Science Daily • Feb. 10, 2026

The third paper shows that the sharp rise in UPF consumption is being driven primarily by global food corporations rather than individual behavior.

From Science Daily • Nov. 24, 2025

Writing in The Lancet, the researchers say governments need "to step up" and introduce warnings and higher taxes on UPF products, to help fund access to more nutritious foods.

From BBC • Nov. 19, 2025

Almost all existing UPF research reviewed by the team was observational, which means it cannot directly establish cause and effect.

From Barron's • Nov. 18, 2025