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x-rays

 [eks-rey]   Origin

x-ray

   [eks-rey]
noun Also, x ray, X ray.
1.
Physics.
a.
Often, x-rays. a form of electromagnetic radiation, similar to light but of shorter wavelength and capable of penetrating solids and of ionizing gases.
b.
such radiation having wavelengths in the range of approximately 0.1–10 nm.
2.
a radiograph made by x-rays.
3.
(initial capital letter) a word in communications to represent the letter X.
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verb (used with object)
4.
to examine, photograph, or treat with x-rays.

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X-rays is always a great word to know.
So is flibbertigibbet. Does it mean:
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
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adjective
5.
of or pertaining to x-rays.
Also, X-ray.

Origin:
1895–1900; translation of German X-Strahl (1895), the name orig. given to the rays by Röntgen, their discoverer, x signifying their unknown nature
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

X-ray
1896, translation of Ger. X-strahl, from X, algebraic symbol for an unknown quantity, + Strahl (pl. Strahlen) "beam, ray." Coined 1895 by Ger. scientist Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen (1845-1923), who discovered them.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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American Heritage
Medical Dictionary

x-ray or X-ray
n. or x ray or X ray

  1. A relatively high-energy photon with wavelength in the approximate range from 0.01 to 10 nanometers. Also called roentgen ray.

  2. A stream of such photons used for their penetrating power in radiography, radiology, radiotherapy, and scientific research. Often used in the plural. Also called roentgen ray.

  3. A photograph taken with x-rays.

v. x-rayed or X-rayed, x-ray·ing or X-ray·ing, x-rays or X-rays

  1. To irradiate with x-rays.

  2. To photograph with x-rays.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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American Heritage
Science Dictionary
x-ray also X-ray   (ěks'rā')  Pronunciation Key 

  1. A high-energy stream of electromagnetic radiation having a frequency higher than that of ultraviolet light but less than that of a gamma ray (in the range of approximately 1016 to 1019 hertz). X-rays are absorbed by many forms of matter, including body tissues, and are used in medicine and industry to produce images of internal structures. See more at electromagnetic spectrum.

  2. An image of an internal structure, such as a body part, taken with x-rays.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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American Heritage
Cultural Dictionary

x-ray definition


A photograph or image obtained through the use of x-rays. An x-ray is taken when an image of internal body structures (such as bones or organs) is needed to diagnose disease or determine the extent of injuries.

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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