ultraviolet
adjective
ul·tra·vi·o·let
ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət 
1
: situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end
—used of radiation having a wavelength shorter than wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays
2
: relating to, producing, or employing ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet
noun
Examples of ultraviolet in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the late 20th century, the world came together to plug a hole in the ozone layer — the part of Earth’s atmosphere that absorbs most of the Sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.
—
Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Red to near-infrared wavelengths of light scatter much less than do shorter blue and ultraviolet wavelengths.
—Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Tanning beds can emit as much as 15 times the amount of ultraviolet radiation –– invisible light that causes suntans and sunburns –– than direct sunrays.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
Planetary nebulae, on the other hand, are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation from their hot central stars, conditions that should quickly destroy or vaporize these fragile materials.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ultraviolet
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Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Red to near-infrared wavelengths of light scatter much less than do shorter blue and ultraviolet wavelengths.
—Lynne Peeples, Scientific American, 26 Mar. 2026
Tanning beds can emit as much as 15 times the amount of ultraviolet radiation –– invisible light that causes suntans and sunburns –– than direct sunrays.
—Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026
Planetary nebulae, on the other hand, are exposed to intense ultraviolet radiation from their hot central stars, conditions that should quickly destroy or vaporize these fragile materials.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 15 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for ultraviolet
Cite this Entry
“Ultraviolet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultraviolet. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
ultraviolet
adjective
ul·tra·vi·o·let
ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-ə-lət
1
: located beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end and having a wavelength shorter than those of visible light but longer than those of X-rays
2
: relating to, producing, or using ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet
noun
Medical Definition
ultraviolet
1 of 2 adjective
ul·tra·vi·o·let
ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət
1
: situated beyond the visible spectrum at its violet end
—used of radiation having a wavelength shorter than wavelengths of visible light and longer than those of X-rays
2
: relating to, producing, or employing ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet
2 of 2 noun
: ultraviolet radiation
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