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x-ray
or X-ray
[ eks-rey ]
/ ˈɛksˌreɪ /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun Also x ray, X ray.
Physics.
- Often x-rays. a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light but of shorter wavelength and capable of penetrating solids and of ionizing gases.
- such radiation having wavelengths in the range of approximately 0.1–10 nanometers.
a radiograph made by x-rays.
(initial capital letter) a word in communications to represent the letter X.
verb (used with object)
to examine, photograph, or treat with x-rays.
adjective
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Origin of x-ray
First recorded in 1895–1900; translation of German X-Strahl (1895), the name originally given to the rays by Röntgen, their discoverer, x signifying their unknown nature
Words nearby x-ray
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use x-ray in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for x-ray
X-ray
x-ray
noun
- electromagnetic radiation emitted when matter is bombarded with fast electrons. X-rays have wavelengths shorter than that of ultraviolet radiation, that is less than about 1 × 10 –8 metres. They extend to indefinitely short wavelengths, but below about 1 × 10 –11 metres they are often called gamma radiation
- (as modifier)X-ray astronomy
a picture produced by exposing photographic film to X-rays: used in medicine as a diagnostic aid as parts of the body, such as bones, absorb X-rays and so appear as opaque areas on the picture
(usually capital) communications a code word for the letter x
verb (tr)
to photograph (part of the body, etc) using X-rays
to treat or examine by means of X-rays
Word Origin for X-ray
C19: partial translation of German X-Strahlen (from Strahl ray), coined by W. K. Roentgen in 1895
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for x-ray
x-ray
A high-energy stream of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency higher than that of ultraviolet light but less than that of a gamma ray (in the range of approximately 1016 to 1019 hertz). X-rays are absorbed by many forms of matter, including body tissues, and are used in medicine and industry to produce images of internal structures. See more at electromagnetic spectrum.
An image of an internal structure, such as a body part, taken with x-rays.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Cultural definitions for x-ray (1 of 2)
x-ray
A form of electromagnetic radiation with very high frequency and energy. X-rays lie between ultraviolet radiation and gamma radiation on the electromagnetic spectrum.
notes for x-ray
Because x-rays can travel through solid material and affect photographic plates, they are widely used in diagnosing medical problems.
notes for x-ray
Objects in the sky also send out x-rays in processes that use very high energy.
Cultural definitions for x-ray (2 of 2)
x-ray
A photograph or image obtained through the use of x-rays. An x-ray is taken when an image of internal body structures (such as bones or organs) is needed to diagnose disease or determine the extent of injuries.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.