What does xray mean?
An X-ray is a diagnostic image or examination made using high-energy electromagnetic radiation. The term can also function as a verb: to x-ray something is to examine it with this technology, or, figuratively, to inspect its concealed structure in detail. X-rays are widely used in medicine to identify fractures, investigate illness, and guide treatment, as well as in security screening, archaeology, and industrial inspection. The expression is usually written with a hyphen and may be capitalized when referring to the technology, although ordinary prose often uses lowercase. In figurative use, “x-ray” suggests an incisive analysis that looks beneath the surface. Its familiar cultural associations include X-ray vision, while its scientific history is closely connected with Wilhelm Conrad Röntgen’s discovery of the radiation in 1895.
An image or scan produced using X-rays, especially for medical diagnosis; by extension, the examination or process of producing such an image.
"The X-ray revealed a small fracture in the patient's wrist."
The term commonly refers both to the resulting radiograph and, in medical contexts, to the examination itself.
To examine something using X-rays, or to inspect it closely and analytically to reveal hidden features, problems, or structure.
"Inspectors x-rayed the cargo to look for concealed contraband."
Figurative uses are common in technical, journalistic, and analytical contexts.
The standard plural is x-rays, with a hyphen. Capitalization varies by style and context, but X-rays is common when referring generally to the images or the technology.
"The hospital performed two x-rays before the patient was admitted."
The letter X in X-ray originally signified that the nature of the radiation was unknown; Wilhelm Röntgen had discovered it in 1895.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Words that share this root
Related word forms
How xray is actually used
The standard spelling is usually x-ray or X-ray, with a hyphen; xray is a less common unhyphenated variant. The verb is usually transitive, as in “to x-ray a patient,” and figurative uses often imply a close search for hidden problems or underlying details.