The portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in which the longest wavelength is just below the visible spectrum, extending from approximately 4 nm to approximately 400 nm. Note: Some authorities place the lower limit of uv at values between 1 and 40 nm, 1 nm being the upper wavelength limit of x-rays. The 400-nm limit is the lowest visible wavelength, i.e., the highest visible frequency, violet. See electromagnetic spectrum.