Definition of
X-ray
- (noun, artifact) a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis
- (noun, phenomenon) electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target
- (verb, communication) take an x-ray of something or somebody
- (verb, perception) examine by taking x-rays
via WordNet, Princeton University
Synonyms of X-ray
roentgen ray, roentgenogram, x ray, x-radiation, x-ray photograph, x-ray picture
Alternate forms of X-ray
Derivations: x-raying
Hyponyms: angiocardiogram, angiogram, arteriogram, arthrogram, encephalogram, hysterosalpingogram, mammogram, myelogram, phlebogram, pneumoencephalogram, pyelogram, venogram
Hypernyms: electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic wave, examine, ionizing radiation, nonparticulate radiation, photograph, radiogram, radiograph, see, shadowgraph, shoot, skiagram, skiagraph, snap
Origin of the word X-ray
- 1896, translation of Ger. X-strahl, from X, algebraic symbol for an unknown quantity, + Strahl (pl. Strahlen) "beam, ray." Coined 1895 by Ger. scientist Wilhelm Conrad R?ntgen (1845-1923), who discovered them. more
via Online Etymology Dictionary, ©2001 Douglas Harper