Definition of X-ray

X-raynoun

tia X

/ˈeks reɪ//ˈeks reɪ/

Word Origintranslation of German X-Strahlen (plural), from X- (because, when discovered in 1895, the nature of the rays was unknown) + Strahl ‘ray’.

namespace

a type of radiation that can pass through solid objects and make it possible to see inside or through them

Example:
  • an X-ray machine (= one that produces X-rays)

a photograph made by X-rays, especially one showing bones or organs in the body

Example:
  • a chest X-ray
  • The doctor studied the X-rays of her lungs.
  • The dentist took an X-ray of my jaw.
  • The X-ray showed a crack in one rib.

a medical examination using X-rays

Example:
  • I had to go for an X-ray.
  • The result of the X-ray gave no cause for concern.

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