What does radiological mean?
Radiological is an adjective meaning connected with radiology, radiation, or radioactive materials. In medicine, it commonly describes examinations, imaging, and diagnostic procedures that use radiation, such as X-rays, CT scans, and related techniques. The word can also have a security meaning, referring to radiological weapons, hazards, or emergencies. Because radiological means specifically associated with radiation rather than simply indicating that radiation is present, it is especially common in technical, medical, governmental, and emergency-response contexts. It is a useful word for describing both the tools used to examine the body and the procedures used to detect or manage radioactive materials.
adjectiveRelating to radiology, especially the medical use of radiation to diagnose and treat disease. It can also refer to anything involving radiation, such as radiological weapons or hazards.
- Relating to radiology or the medical use of radiation for diagnosis and treatment.
- Relating to radiation, radioactive materials, or the detection and analysis of radiation.
- In military and emergency contexts, involving radiological weapons, hazards, or incidents.
"The patient underwent a radiological examination to investigate a suspected internal injury."
"Radiological imaging confirmed that the fracture was more serious than the initial examination suggested."
"Emergency crews conducted a radiological survey after reports of a suspicious package."
A radiological examination can reveal what is hidden inside the body without cutting it open.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does radiological come from?
The word combines the combining form radio-, ultimately associated with radiation, with the suffix -logical, meaning “pertaining to” or “the study of.” Its development follows the history of radiology, the branch of medicine in which X-rays and other forms of radiation are used for examination and diagnosis. The broader sense relating to radiation and radioactive materials developed as these uses extended beyond medical imaging.
Related word forms
How radiological is actually used
The term is usually formal and technical. In medicine, it commonly describes imaging, examinations, or procedures involving radiation; in security and emergency management, it can refer to radioactive or nuclear threats.
Easily confused with radiological
Radiation is electromagnetic energy or particles, while radiological describes something relating to radiation or the medical specialty of radiology.
Radiology is the medical discipline that uses imaging to diagnose and treat disease; radiological is the adjective describing something related to that field.