An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A color at the opposite end of the visible spectrum from red, an effect of light with a wavelength between 4000 and 4500 Å. → ultraviolet.

Etymology (EN): M.E., from O.Fr. violete, diminutive of viole “violet,” from L. viola, akin to Gk. ion “violet.”

Etymology (PE): Banafš “violet,” related to banafšé “violet flower;” Mid.Pers. vanafšak “violet flower.”