Word
ultraviolet
Phoneticsul·tra·vi·o·let, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌəɫtɹəˈvaɪəɫɪt/
UK/ˌʊltɹɐvˈaɪələt/
Definitions
01invisible light radiation
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science Technical
adj. describes light that has a higher frequency than the violet light we can see.
adj. relating to electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between approximately 10 and 400 nanometres, situated between visible light and X-rays.
“You should wear sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful ultraviolet rays.”
“The telescope was designed to detect ultraviolet emissions from distant stars that are otherwise obscured by interstellar dust.”
Usage
Often used as a compound adjective with 'light', 'radiation', or 'rays'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02UV radiation or light
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. ultraviolet light or the part of the light spectrum that it belongs to.
n. ultraviolet radiation or the region of the electromagnetic spectrum occupied by such radiation.
“The scientist used a special lamp that produces ultraviolet to find the hidden marks.”
“The atmosphere absorbs the majority of the sun's extreme ultraviolet, preventing the most energetic radiation from reaching the planet's surface.”
Usage
Typically functions as an uncountable noun when referring to the radiation itself.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “ultraviolet” in context.
Real-World Examples
“The bright light and ultraviolet radiation given off by the sun can lead to a condition known as "solar retinopathy".” “The UV Index (or UVI) is a measure of ultraviolet radiation used around the world.” “What might appear some kind of experiment with psychedelic mushrooms is actually a new way of seeing the world at night: shining ultraviolet torches to reveal the natural biofluorescence of animals, plants and fungi.” “Light with such a wavelength—called far-UVC, from the ultraviolet portion of the electromagnetic spectrum—is deadly for microbes, researchers are learning, but appears safe for human beings.” Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *h₂el- Latin ūls Proto-Indo-European *-teros? Latin -ter Old Latin -ād Latin -ā Latin ultrālbor. English ultra- Latin viola Old French -ette Old French violettebor. Middle English violet English violet English ultraviolet From ultra- (“beyond”) + violet (“violet”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
In Music
Ultraviolet · 1991 · Rock music
- Artist:
- U2
- Album:
- Achtung Baby
U2’s 1991 rock anthem uses this scientific term as a metaphor for a powerful, invisible force that guides the singer through darkness. While the word literally describes light beyond human vision, the song connects it to themes of love and spiritual dependency.
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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