Definition of x-ray X-ray

/ɛˈksɹejˌ/ - [eksrey] - x•ray

We found 11 definitions of x-ray from 4 different sources.

What does x-ray mean?

Verb
x-ray - take an x-ray of something or somebody; "The doctor x-rayed my chest"
		photograph, snap, shoot record on photographic film; "I photographed the scene of the accident"; "She snapped a picture of the President"
		picture taking, photography the occupation of taking and printing photographs or making movies
x-ray - examine by taking x-rays
		examine, see question closely

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x-ray (Noun)
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-ray (Noun)
A radiograph: a photograph made with X-rays.
x-ray (Noun)
An X-ray machine.
x-ray (Noun)
The letter X in the ICAO spelling alphabet .
x-ray (Verb)
To take a radiograph of; to obtain an image of using X-ray radiation, especially for the purpose of medical diagnostic evaluation.
x-ray (Adjective)
Of or having to do with X-rays.

x-ray
Short wavelength electromagnetic wave usually produced by bombarding a metal target in a vacuum.
x-ray
Short wavelength electromagnetic wave usually produced by bombarding a metal target in a vacuum.

X-ray is part of the electromagnetic spectrum, with frequency higher than ultraviolet radiation. The frequency of X-ray covers a wide range. It can penetrate many solid materials. X-ray can be produced by hitting metal with fast-moving electrons.

X-ray photography is used in medicine to see bones and cancers, and other things inside bodies.

There are small amounts of X-rays around in the atmosphere. X-rays can change living cells. This means that exposing the human body to high doses of x-rays, for a long time should be avoided. Changing living cells can be dangerous. It can cause cancer, amongst other diseases. It can also be good, as cancer cells can be killed that way. Like with any treatment, there are side-effects.

X-rays cannot see soft tissue very well. To detect tumors, other imaging technologies are used, like Magnetic resonance imaging.