X-ray

English

/ˈɛks ɹeɪ/, /ˈɛks ˌɹeɪ/

noun
Definitions
  • Short wavelength electromagnetic radiation usually produced by bombarding a metal target in a vacuum. Used to create images of the internal structure of objects; this is possible because X-rays pass through most objects and can expose photographic film.
  • A radiograph: a photograph made with X-rays.
  • An X-ray machine.
  • The letter X in the ICAO spelling alphabet.

Etymology

Compound from English X (Christ) + English ray (defile).

Origin

English

ray

Gloss

defile

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms