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Ultraviolet: meaning, definitions and examples

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ultraviolet

 

[ ˌʌltrəˈvaɪə.lɛt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

radiation light

Ultraviolet (UV) refers to electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength shorter than that of visible light but longer than X-rays. It is not visible to the human eye but has significant effects such as causing sunburns and is used in various applications including sterilization and fluorescent lights.

Synonyms

UV, black light

Examples of usage

  • Ultraviolet rays can damage your skin.
  • Many insects can see ultraviolet light.
  • Ultraviolet light is used in tanning beds.

Translations

Translations of the word "ultraviolet" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ultravioleta

🇮🇳 पराबैंगनी

🇩🇪 ultraviolett

🇮🇩 ultraviolet

🇺🇦 ультрафіолетовий

🇵🇱 ultrafioletowy

🇯🇵 紫外線

🇫🇷 ultraviolet

🇪🇸 ultravioleta

🇹🇷 ultraviyole

🇰🇷 자외선

🇸🇦 الأشعة فوق البنفسجية

🇨🇿 ultrafialový

🇸🇰 ultrafialový

🇨🇳 紫外线

🇸🇮 ultravijolična

🇮🇸 útfjólublátt

🇰🇿 ультрафиолет

🇬🇪 ულტრავიოლეტური

🇦🇿 ultrabənövşəyi

🇲🇽 ultravioleta

Etymology

The term 'ultraviolet' combines the Latin word 'ultra', meaning 'beyond', and the color 'violet', which represents the highest frequency of visible light. The concept of ultraviolet light has its origins in the work of early 19th-century physicists, most notably Johann Wilhelm Ritter in 1801, who discovered that light beyond the violet end of the spectrum could cause chemical reactions, such as those seen in silver chloride. This was a pivotal moment in the development of modern physics and chemistry, leading to extensive research on the effects of UV radiation in various fields from medicine to photochemistry. Over the years, the understanding of ultraviolet light has expanded, and it is now known to play a role in processes such as vitamin D synthesis in the human body, as well as serving a critical function in the sterilization of instruments and surfaces.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,183, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.