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
Recent Examples on the Web
The team gathered regional body-fat measurements, via dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans, and a combination of MRI scans covering structure, network activity (resting-state fMRI) and white-matter wiring (diffusion), from the UK Biobank.
—
New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
New Atlas, 28 Sep. 2025
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
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 31 Oct. 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?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share