Main Entry: Coo·lidge tube

Pronunciation: \ˈkü-lij-\

Function: noun

: a vacuum tube for the generation of X-rays in which the cathode consists of a spiral filament of incandescent tungsten and the target serves as the anode and consists of massive tungsten and in which the temperature of the cathode determines the intensity of the X-rays while the applied voltage determines wavelength

Coolidge, William David (1873–1975), American engineer and physicist. In 1913 Coolidge invented an X-ray tube (now known as the Coolidge tube) that was the prototype of the modern X-ray tube.