X-ray
/ˈeks.reɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈeks.reɪ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈeks reɪ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈeks reɪ/ (ame, ipa)
X-ray — noun
1. a form of invisible, high-energy radiation that passes through most solid object
a form of invisible, high-energy radiation that passes through most solid objects, enabling doctors to see bones and internal organs on a special film or screen
After her fall, Yuki received a low dose of X-rays to check her spine.
collocation: dose of X-rays
Dentists use a small dose of X-rays to find cavities that are hidden between teeth.
The lead apron blocks most of the X-rays during a chest scan to protect the patient.
A CT scanner sends X-rays from multiple angles around the body to build a detailed picture.
- X-radiation
a more technical and formal term for the same form of energy
- roentgen rays
an older, historical term rarely used outside specialist contexts
文法句型
X-rays (plural form referring to the radiation)
用法筆記
Often used in the plural form 'X-rays' when referring to the radiation as beams or waves, even though the concept is uncountable.
常見錯誤
2. a picture created by X-rays showing the inside of a person's body, especially bo
a picture created by X-rays showing the inside of a person's body, especially bones and organs
The doctor held up Amara's X-ray and pointed to a small crack in her wrist bone.
Priya looked at her dental X-ray and saw that her wisdom teeth were growing sideways.
typical modifier: dental X-ray / chest X-ray / wrist X-ray
The X-ray showed a clear white line where Diego's collarbone had broken and healed.
Lin's X-ray confirmed that the knee injury was just a deep bruise and not a fracture.
- radiograph
the formal medical term for the same type of image
- X-ray image
a slightly longer but very common alternative
文法句型
X-ray + of + body part
用法筆記
Frequently paired with a modifier or 'of'-phrase specifying which body area was photographed (e.g. 'a chest X-ray', 'an X-ray of the foot').
常見錯誤
3. a medical procedure in which X-ray images of a specific body part are taken and
a medical procedure in which X-ray images of a specific body part are taken and examined, usually to diagnose an injury or illness
Leila went for an X-ray on her ankle after twisting it during a football match.
collocation: go for an X-ray / have an X-ray
The nurse told Chen that the X-ray would take only five minutes and would not hurt.
After the X-ray, the technician checked the images before letting the patient leave.
Patients having a chest X-ray are asked to hold their breath for a few seconds.
- X-ray examination
the full form that makes the procedural meaning clear
- radiography
the technical name for the imaging process
文法句型
have + an X-ray
go for + an X-ray
用法筆記
Common in the collocations 'go for an X-ray' and 'have an X-ray', which describe the patient's experience of the procedure. This sense contrasts with sense 2 (the image itself).
常見錯誤
X-ray — verb
- X-raypresent simple I / you / we / they
- X-rayshe / she / it
- X-rayedpast simple
- X-raying-ing form
1. to create a picture of what is inside a person or object by passing X-ray radiat
to create a picture of what is inside a person or object by passing X-ray radiation through it, often for medical diagnosis or security screening
The doctor decided to X-ray Oliver's shoulder because the swelling had not gone down.
Zanele's leg was X-rayed twice to make sure the metal plate was still in position.
All carry-on bags at the security checkpoint are X-rayed before passengers board the plane.
The veterinarian X-rayed the injured cat to check whether any ribs were broken.
- scan
broader in meaning — can include CT, MRI, or ultrasound, not just X-rays
- radiograph
the formal medical verb, but much less common in everyday speech
文法句型
X-ray + body part / object
be X-rayed (passive)
用法筆記
Frequently used in the passive voice, especially in medical and security contexts ('the patient was X-rayed', 'all luggage is X-rayed'). The active voice takes a direct object — the body part or item being examined.