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. Röntgen, 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.

to examine by means of X-rays; to irradiate with X-rays.

Very short wavelength in the electromagnetic spectrum; can penetrate soft tissue; although it is useful in medical diagnosis, it also damages tissue and causes mutations. [Go to source

A penetrating form of electromagnetic radiation emitted during electron transitions in an atom to a lower energy state; usually when outer orbital electrons give up some energy to replace missing inner orbital electrons.

electromagnetic radiation of short wavelength produced when high-speed electrons strike a solid target

a radiogram made by exposing photographic film to X rays; used in medical diagnosis

An electromagnetic radiation produced when the inner satellite electrons of heavy atoms have been excited by collision with a stream of fast electrons return to their ground state, giving up the energy previously imparted to them. : Symbol used for wye configuration for three phase electrical connections.

The part of the electromagnetic spectrum whose radiation has somewhat greater frequencies and smaller wavelengths than those of ultraviolet radiation; namely, that radiation lying between ultraviolet and gamma-ray in the electromagnetic spectrum.

are electromagnetic radiations beyond ultraviolet which, when passed through a solid object and allowed to act upon a sensitive emulsion, form a shadow image of the internal structure of the object.