X-ray

1. noun

a) Short wavelength electromagnetic radiation usually produced by bombarding a metal target in a vacuum. Used to create images of the internal structure of objects; this is possible because X-rays pass through most objects and can expose photographic film.

X-rays are light with a wavelength between 0.1 and 10 nm.

b) A radiograph: a photograph made with X-rays.

"The doctor ordered some X-rays of my injured wrist."

Syn: Röntgen radiation, Rontgen radiation, Roentgen radiation, Röntgen rays, Rontgen rays, Roentgen rays, X-ray radiation

See Also: T-ray, gamma ray

2. verb

To take a radiograph of; to obtain an image of using X-ray radiation, especially for the purpose of medical diagnostic evaluation.

Of course there was nothing wrong with my left wrist. They X-rayed the wrong arm!

3. adjective

Of or having to do with X-rays.

I had to put my bags through an X-ray scanner at the airport.