Definition

1. Noun:

   • Electromagnetic radiation: A form of high-energy, invisible radiation with a very short wavelength, capable of passing through many solid objects and affecting photographic film.
   • Photographic image: A picture, or radiograph, made by using this radiation, especially to view the internal structure of something like a bone or luggage.

2. Verb (often hyphenated: X-ray): To examine, photograph, or treat with X-rays.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Radiation):
  • The dentist used X-ray to check for cavities between the teeth.
  • X-ray is a valuable tool in medical diagnosis.
• Noun (Image):
  • The doctor showed me the X-ray of my broken wrist.
  • Security examined the X-ray of the suitcase.
• Verb:
  • They will X-ray your chest to check for infection.
  • All luggage is X-rayed before loading onto the aircraft.

Advanced Usage

• "X-ray vision": A fictional superpower to see through solid objects, humorously attributed to someone who is very perceptive.
  • It's like he has X-ray vision for spotting problems in the code.
• "X-ray diffraction": A scientific technique using X-rays to determine the atomic or molecular structure of a crystal.
  • X-ray diffraction was crucial in discovering the structure of DNA.

Variants and Related Words

• X-ray machine (n): The device used to generate X-rays and create images.
• X-ray technician (n): A person trained to operate X-ray equipment.
• Radiograph (n): A technical synonym for an X-ray image.
• Radiology (n): The science dealing with X-rays and other high-energy radiation, especially for medical diagnosis and treatment.

Synonyms

• Radiograph (n): For the image.
• Roentgen ray (n): A historical term for X-ray (after Wilhelm Röntgen, its discoverer).

Related Phrasal Verbs/Constructions

(This word does not commonly form phrasal verbs. Its verbal use is typically direct: "to X-ray something.")

Related Idioms

• To give something the X-ray treatment: To examine something very closely and critically.
  • The committee gave the proposal the X-ray treatment, looking for any hidden flaws.

Noun

1. a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis
2. electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target