ultraviolet

adjective

ul·​tra·​vi·​o·​let ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-(ə-)lət How to pronounce ultraviolet (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Scientists now believe that UVA—ultraviolet light with wavelengths between 315 and 400 nanometers—can raise the risk of skin cancer, too. Jackie Flynn Mogensen, Scientific American, 25 May 2026 Moreover, many insects have been observed fluttering around ultraviolet lamps and other light sources that emit low quantities of heat, as well as seeking out light sources when the ambient temperature is high, contradicting the premise of the thermal radiation theory. Britannica Editors, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 May 2026 Post-operative care is provided with a special kit containing shampoos, lotions, and medical products, and the clinic maintains high hygiene standards by sanitizing procedure rooms through ultraviolet technology. Wyles Daniel, USA Today, 20 May 2026 Crews must deal with icing, corrosion, ultraviolet exposure, thermal cycling, and extreme winds. Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 20 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for ultraviolet

Word History

First Known Use

1840, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of ultraviolet was in 1840

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Cite this Entry

“Ultraviolet.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ultraviolet. Accessed 29 May. 2026.

Kids Definition

ultraviolet

adjective
ul·​tra·​vi·​o·​let ˌəl-trə-ˈvī-ə-lət How to pronounce ultraviolet (audio)
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 How to pronounce ultraviolet (audio)
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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