Ultraviolet light

Ultraviolet light (UV) is regarded more as a range of wavelengths rather than anything specific. It is present in natural sunlight. However, it is invisible to the naked eye. The term ultraviolet derives from the Latin word ultra meaning "beyond". Violet is the colour of the shortest wavelengths of visible light and ultraviolet has an even shorter wavelength that goes beyond this range. UV light from the sun is responsible for tanning of the skin, but over exposure to this light can cause sunburn and even some forms of skin cancer.

Glossary