/ ˈeks reɪ; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ usually pl. ] a type of radiation that can pass through objects that are not transparent and make it possible to see inside them :
an X-ray machine (= one that produces X-rays )
2.
a photograph made by X-rays, especially one showing bones or organs in the body :
a chest X-ray
The doctor studied the X-rays of her lungs.
to take an X-ray
3.
a medical examination using X-rays :
I had to go for an X-ray.
■ verb
[ vn ] to photograph and examine bones and organs inside the body, using X-rays :
He had to have his chest X-rayed.
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WORD ORIGIN
translation of German X-Strahlen (plural), from X- (because, when discovered in 1895, the nature of the rays was unknown) + Strahl ray.