Found 2 items, similar to X rays.
English → English (WordNet) Definition: X ray X ray n 1: electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target [syn: X-radiation, roentgen ray] 2: a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis [syn: roentgenogram, X-ray picture , X-ray photograph]
English → English (gcide) Definition: X rays Rontgen ray \R["o]ntgen ray\, Roentgen ray \Roentgen ray\ [see R["o]ntgen.] (Physics) An X-ray; originally, the term was applied to any of the rays produced when cathode rays strike upon surface of a solid (as the wall of the vacuum tube), but now it refers specifically to electromagnetic radiation having wavelengths from 10^-3 nm to 10 nm, immediately below ultraviolet radiation on the wavelength scale. R["o]ntgen rays are noted for their penetration of opaque substances, as wood and flesh, their action on photographic plates, and their fluorescent effects. They were called X rays by their discoverer, W. K. R["o]ntgen. They are one of the forms of ionizing radiation, which can have damaging effects on living cells. They also ionize gases, but cannot be reflected, or polarized, or deflected by a magnetic field. They are used in examining opaque objects, especially in medicine for visualizing organs and other objects inside the human body, as for locating fractures or bullets, and examining internal organs for abnormalities. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC] X ray \X ray\, X-ray \X-ray\([e^]ks"r[=a]`), n. [so called by its discoverer because of its enigmatical character, x being an algebraic symbol for an unknown quantity.] (Physics) originally, any of the rays produced when cathode rays strike upon surface of a solid (as a copper target or the wall of the vacuum tube); now defined as electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength of 0.1 to 10 nanometers. X-rays are noted for their penetration of many opaque substances, as wood and flesh, their action on photographic plates, and their fluorescent effects. They were called X rays by their discoverer, W. K. R["o]ntgen, but were also referred to for some time as Roentgen rays. The term X-ray has become the most common designation. They also ionize gases, but cannot be reflected, or polarized, or deflected by a magnetic field. They are used in examining objects opaque to visible light, as for imaging bones or other structures inside the human body, and for detecting flaws in metal objects, such as in welds. [Webster 1913 Suppl. +PJC]