Xray

communications code word

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\ ˈeks-ˌrā

Definition of Xray

(Entry 1 of 3)

—used as a code word for the letter x

x-ray

verb, often capitalized

\ ˈeks-ˌrā

x-rayed; x-raying; x-rays

Definition of x-ray (Entry 2 of 3)

transitive verb

: to examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays

X-ray

noun

\ ˈeks-ˌrā

Definition of X-ray (Entry 3 of 3)

1 : any of the electromagnetic radiations that have an extremely short wavelength of less than 100 angstroms and have the properties of penetrating various thicknesses of all solids, of producing secondary radiations by impinging on material bodies, and of acting on photographic films and plates as light does

2 : a photograph obtained by use of X-rays

First Known Use of Xray

Communications code word

1943, in the meaning defined above

Verb

1899, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1896, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Dictionary Entries Near Xray

X-ray

Xray

x-ray absorbing glass

Statistics for Xray

Cite this Entry

“Xray.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Xray. Accessed 9 Aug. 2022.

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More Definitions for Xray

x-ray

verb, often capitalized X

\ ˈeks-ˌrā \

x-rayed; x-raying

Kids Definition of x-ray

: to examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays My arm was x-rayed for broken bones.

X-ray

noun

\ ˈeks-ˌrā \

Kids Definition of X-ray

1 : a powerful invisible ray made up of very short waves that is somewhat similar to light and that is able to pass through some solids and acts on photographic film like light

2 : a photograph taken by the use of X-rays an X-ray of the lungs

x-ray

transitive verb, often capitalized X

\ ˈeks-ˌrā

Medical Definition of x-ray

(Entry 1 of 2)

: to examine, treat, or photograph with X-rays

X-ray

noun

Medical Definition of X-ray (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : any of the electromagnetic radiations of the same nature as visible radiation but of an extremely short wavelength less than 100 angstroms that is produced by bombarding a metallic target with fast electrons in vacuum or by transition of atoms to lower energy states and that has the properties of ionizing a gas upon passage through it, of penetrating various thicknesses of all solids, of producing secondary radiations by impinging on material bodies, of acting on photographic films and plates as light does, and of causing fluorescent screens to emit light

— called also roentgen ray

2 : a photograph obtained by use of X-rays a chest X-ray