adj
Uncommon
ultraviolet
uhlt-ruh-VEYE-uh-luht
Ultraviolet (adj) means describing light or radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light, invisible to the human eye. Example: “Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause sunburn and skin damage.”
adj
1
Describing light or radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light, invisible to the human eye.
"Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause sunburn and skin damage."
"The museum uses ultraviolet light to detect forged signatures."
noun
1
Ultraviolet radiation or light itself.
"Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet increases the risk of skin cancer."
How to use ultraviolet
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLight beyond violet that we can't see, but which can burn skin and is used in various technologies.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
ultraviolet light
ultraviolet rays
ultraviolet radiation
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Word forms
- Plural
- ultraviolets
- Comparative
- more ultraviolet
- Superlative
- most ultraviolet
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
_____ rays from the sun can cause sunburn and skin damage.
Etymology
From "ultra-" ("beyond") plus "violet", since this radiation lies just beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum.
Synonyms
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UV
ultraviolet light
ultraviolet radiation
ultraviolet illumination
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for ultraviolet
See all rhymes for ultraviolet →Frequently asked questions
What does “ultraviolet” mean?
The word “ultraviolet” means describing light or radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light, invisible to the human eye. In plain terms, light beyond violet that we can't see, but which can burn skin and is used in various technologies.
How do you pronounce “ultraviolet”?
“Ultraviolet” is pronounced uhlt-ruh-VEYE-uh-luht (/ˌʌltɹəˈvaɪələt/ in IPA).
How do you use “ultraviolet” in a sentence?
Here is “ultraviolet” used in a sentence: “Ultraviolet rays from the sun can cause sunburn and skin damage.”
What part of speech is “ultraviolet”?
Depending on how it is used, “ultraviolet” can be an adjective and a noun.
Is “ultraviolet” a common word?
“Ultraviolet” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “ultraviolet” have?
“Ultraviolet” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing light or radiation with a wavelength shorter than visible light, invisible to the human eye.
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