imager

noun

im·​ag·​er ˈi-mi-jər How to pronounce imager (audio)
plural imagers
: one that produces an image: such as
a
: any of various machines (such as a CT scanner or X-ray machine) used to produce diagnostic images of a living body
… we believe that our state-of-the-art NMR imager is more sensitive than our state-of-the-art CT scanner in the evaluation of these diseases. Thus, to exclude suspected disease, NMR is the preferred modality.William G. Bradley, Jr.
b
: an instrument that combines the functions of detection and image production to generate graphic output of extremely high quality for scientific or technical study
The payload includes a descent imager to characterize the landing site's geological context, a stereo imager for high-resolution mapping of the surroundings, a gas analyzer, and an environmental survey package.Robert Burnham
The imager can measure two- and three-dimensional beam-intensity distributions, and it can transfer data to a computer via a video frame grabber.Physics Today

Examples of imager in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The pixel imagers continue to take readings, which are fed back into the machine learning algorithm to continually adjust the image. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023 Its compact design, roughly the size of 10cm x 10cm x 10cm, stands in stark contrast to the bulky nature of traditional spectral thermal imagers. IEEE Spectrum, 3 Feb. 2024 Our engineering team has been working on solutions to alleviate the radiation damage and to keep the imager going. Eric Berger, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2024 The device is designed for use in small imagers, such as smartphone cameras, and tuned via the waveguide’s dimensions to match the color sensitivity of the human eye. IEEE Spectrum, 13 Dec. 2023 The image was acquired by NASA’s EPIC imager, which is aboard the Deep Space Climate Observatory — a joint NASA, NOAA and U.S. Air Force satellite, as NASA reported. Brittany Kasko, Fox News, 19 Oct. 2023 An imager will study its mineral composition and topography, and the spacecraft’s telecommunication system will use radio waves to learn about Psyche’s rotation, mass and gravitational field. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 13 Oct. 2023 John Hutchings John Hutchings was key in organizing the Canadian contribution to JWST, which consisted of a guidance sensor and an infrared imager. Joshua Rapp Learn, Discover Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023 The data from the imager will be useful in weather prediction, said Carlo Simoncelli, a program manager at Leonardo. Nicholas Bakalar, New York Times, 24 July 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'imager.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymageoure, ymager "one who makes images, sculptor," in part from imagen "to image entry 2" + -eoure, -er -er entry 2, in part borrowed from Middle French imagier, ymageur, derivatives of ymagier "to picture, imagine"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imager was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near imager

Cite this Entry

“Imager.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imager. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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