X-RAY

n. roentgen ray, short-wave electromagnetic radiation able to penetrate solids; photograph created by means of x-rays (usually for medical purposes)

X-rays (or Röntgen rays) are a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers, corresponding to frequencies in the range 30 PHz to 30 EHz. X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic radiography and crystallography. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation and as such can be dangerous. In many languages it is called Röntgen radiation after one of the first investigators of the X-rays, Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen.
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Noun
1. electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target
(synonym) X-radiation, roentgen ray
(hypernym) electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic wave, nonparticulate radiation
2. a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis
(synonym) roentgenogram, X-ray picture, X-ray photograph
(hypernym) radiogram, radiograph, shadowgraph, skiagraph, skiagram
(hyponym) angiocardiogram

Verb
1. examine by taking x-rays
(hypernym) examine, see
(derivation) X-raying, X-radiation
2. take an x-ray of something or somebody; "The doctor x-rayed my chest"
(hypernym) photograph, snap, shoot
(derivation) X-raying, X-radiation
(classification) photography, picture taking

High-energy radiation. It is used in low doses to diagnose diseases and in high doses to treat cancer.

An X-ray picture in which the beams pass from front-to-back (anteroposterior). As opposed to a PA (posteroanterior) film in which the rays pass through the body from back-to-front.

A type of high-energy radiation. In low doses, x-rays are used to diagnose diseases by making pictures of the inside of the body. In high doses, x-rays are used to treat cancer.

The use of high-energy radiation from x-rays to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation may come from a machine outside the body (external-beam radiation therapy) or from materials called radioisotopes. Radioisotopes produce radiation and can be placed in or near the tumor or in the area near cancer cells. This type of radiation treatment is called internal radiation therapy, implant radiation, interstitial radiation, or brachytherapy. Systemic radiation therapy uses a radioactive substance, such as a radiolabeled monoclonal antibody, that circulates throughout the body. X-ray therapy is also called radiation therapy, radiotherapy, and irradiation.