dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
noun
du·al-en·er·gy X-ray absorptiometry
ˈdü(-ə)l-ˈe-nər-jē- 
also ˈdyü-əl-
variants
or dual energy X-ray absorptiometry
: absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material (such as bone) is measured by comparing the material's absorption of X-rays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content of bone
—abbreviation DEXA, DXA
Examples of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a Sentence
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Average Levels and Nutritional Needs Calcium levels in adults are measured using blood tests, whereas bone density scans, known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans, provide information about bone density.
—
Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, a bone density scan—also called a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan—is a quick and painless test that detects early signs of bone loss.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024
Participants’ bone mineral density (BMD) scores were measured through an imaging technique known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); they were also given a trabecular bone score (TBS) which assesses bone quality independently of BMD.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 2 Aug. 2024
For the study, the researchers also had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, a gold standard for body composition that measured fat mass and lean mass in each of the youths.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 June 2024
Researchers measured whole-body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density at enrollment and followed up during year one, year three, and year six using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as a DEXA scan.
—L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune Well, 27 Feb. 2023
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Angela Ryan Lee, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025
According to the Mayo Clinic, a bone density scan—also called a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan—is a quick and painless test that detects early signs of bone loss.
—Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024
Participants’ bone mineral density (BMD) scores were measured through an imaging technique known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); they were also given a trabecular bone score (TBS) which assesses bone quality independently of BMD.
—Kristen Fischer, Health, 2 Aug. 2024
For the study, the researchers also had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, a gold standard for body composition that measured fat mass and lean mass in each of the youths.
—Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 June 2024
Researchers measured whole-body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density at enrollment and followed up during year one, year three, and year six using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as a DEXA scan.
—L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune Well, 27 Feb. 2023
Cite this Entry
“Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dual-energy%20X-ray%20absorptiometry. Accessed 6 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry
noun
du·al-energy X-ray absorptiometry
ˈd(y)ü-əl-
: absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material (such as bone or fat) is measured by comparing the material's absorption of X-rays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content and density of bone
A medical exam ascertained bone density by using dual-energy X- ray absorptiometry (DXA), a standard method of assessing the extent of osteoporosis.—Mari N. Jensen, Science News
—abbreviation DEXA, DXA
Mari N. Jensen, Science NewsLove words? Need even more definitions?
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