| ultraviolet radiation | |
noun | |
| radiation lying in the ultraviolet range; wave lengths shorter than light but longer than X rays [syn: ultraviolet] |
Radiation in the part of the electromagnetic spectrum where wavelengths are just shorter than those of ordinary, visible violet light but longer than those of x-rays.
Note: Like infrared radiation, ultraviolet radiation can be detected with special instruments or films. Sunburn is caused by ultraviolet radiation. The ozone layer of the atmosphere of the Earth blocks most of the potentially harmful ultraviolet radiation.