transilluminate

verb

trans·​il·​lu·​mi·​nate ˌtran(t)s-ə-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt How to pronounce transilluminate (audio)
ˌtranz-
transilluminated; transilluminating; transilluminates

transitive verb

: to cause light to pass through
especially : to pass light through (a body part) for medical examination
transillumination noun
transilluminator noun

Word History

First Known Use

1890, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of transilluminate was in 1890

Dictionary Entries Near transilluminate

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

transilluminate

transitive verb
trans·​il·​lu·​mi·​nate ˌtran(t)s-ə-ˈlü-mə-ˌnāt, ˌtranz- How to pronounce transilluminate (audio)
transilluminated; transilluminating
: to cause light to pass through
especially : to pass light through (a body part) for medical examination
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