X-ray Definition

eksrā
x-rays
noun
A band of electromagnetic radiation with wavelengths between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation (c. .005 to c. 5 nanometers)
Webster's New World
A stream of electromagnetic waves within this band: X-rays are capable of penetrating opaque or solid substances, ionizing gases, and, by extended exposure, destroying organic tissue: they are widely used in medicine for diagnosis and treatment of certain organic disorders.
Webster's New World
A photograph made by means of X-rays.
Webster's New World
The act or process of taking such a photograph.
Did the patient move during the x-ray?
American Heritage Medicine
A photon of electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength, ranging from about 10 down to 0.01 nanometers, and very high energy, ranging from about 100 up to 100,000 electron volts.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
verb
To irradiate with x-rays.
American Heritage
To examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays.
Webster's New World
To irradiate with x-rays.
American Heritage
To photograph with x-rays.
American Heritage
To irradiate with x-rays.
American Heritage Medicine
adjective
Of, by, or having to do with X-rays.
Webster's New World

Origin of X-ray

  • From translation of obsolete German X-Strahlen x-rays (coined by their discoverer Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen) x x, unknown factor (since x-rays were a previously unknown form of radiation) Strahlen pl. of Strahle ray

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From translation of obsolete German X-Strahlen x-rays (coined by their discoverer Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen) x x, unknown factor (since x-rays were a previously unknown form of radiation) Strahlen pl. of Strahle ray

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

X-ray Sentence Examples

  • A chest x ray will help rule out other disorders.

  • X-ray studies may be ordered to identify the location of a foreign body if it is metal, such as a pellet from a BB gun or air gun, or to evaluate the nasal area for evidence of repeated fractures when abuse is suspected.

  • A less common test used to diagnose renal vein thrombosis is renal venography, also called renal angiography, an x-ray examination of the renal veins after a contrast material (dye) has been injected.

  • Plain film x rays normally take only a few minutes to perform and can be done in a hospital, radiological center, clinic, doctor's or dentist's office, or at bedside with a portable x-ray machine.

  • The doctor may also order x-ray studies of the child's chest or sinuses in order to determine whether lung damage has already occurred or to make a baseline evaluation of the child's lungs.

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