radiology

American  

[rey-dee-ol-uh-jee] / ˌreɪ diˈɒl ə dʒi /

noun

1. the science dealing with x-rays or nuclear radiation, especially for medical uses.

2. the examination or photographing of organs, bones, etc., with such rays.

3. the interpretation of medical x-ray photographs.

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radiology British  

/ ˌreɪdɪˈɒlədʒɪ /

noun

1. the use of X-rays and radioactive substances in the diagnosis and treatment of disease

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radiology Scientific  

/ rā′dē-ŏl′ə-jē /

1. The branch of medicine that deals with diagnostic images of anatomic structures through the use of electromagnetic radiation or sound waves and that treats disease through the use of radioactive compounds. Radiologic imaging techniques include x-rays, CAT scans, PET scans, MRIs, and ultrasonograms.

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radiology Cultural  

1. The branch of medicine devoted to the study of images obtained by x-ray, ultrasound, CAT scans, or magnetic resonance imaging, and to the treatment of cancer by radiation therapy.

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Other Word Forms

• radiologist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of radiology

First recorded in 1895–1900; radio- + -logy

Explanation

In medicine, radiology is the specialty that deals with imaging techniques to diagnose or treat disease. If you need an x-ray of your broken thumb, you need an expert in radiology. The area of a hospital where x-rays or MRIs are taken might be referred to as radiology: "We need to get a look at your brain. We'll send you down to radiology." Radiology also takes the form of ultrasound and CT scans, and all of these various techniques are performed by a radiologist. The Latin root is radiationem, "a shining."

Example Sentences

Ph.D., co-author and chair of the Department of Radiology at U-M Health.

From Science Daily • Feb. 10, 2026

Dr Gerald Lip is a consultant radiologist in NHS Grampian and co-investigator in the study, who has recently been appointed president of the British Society of Breast Radiology.

From BBC • Feb. 26, 2025

“This is a big change, absolutely,” said Dr. Stamatia Destounis, chair of the American College of Radiology Commission on Breast Imaging.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2024

“I see the promise and I hope it will help us,” said Etta Pisano, a radiologist who is chief research officer at the American College of Radiology, a professional group for radiologists.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 20, 2024

Even more alarming was what the Lawrence brothers witnessed that September at the Fifth International Congress of Radiology in Chicago.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik