Ultraviolet
/ˌʌltrəˈvaɪələt/noun
Relating to electromagnetic radiation beyond the violet end of the visible spectrum.
Did you know?The word was coined in the 19th century for light just past violet, and that invisible band later became the realm of sunburn, fluorescence, and sterilizing power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
ultra
“beyond, on the far side of”
Latin
Latin
violaceus
“violet-colored”
17th Century
English
ultraviolet
“not yet used in English; the concept would later be named for the invisible rays beyond violet”
19th Century
English
ultraviolet
“light rays beyond the violet end of the spectrum”
Modern English
English
ultraviolet
“electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths shorter than visible violet light”
Explore more surprising origins