ex-ray

Noun

X-ray (plural X-rays)

1. A ray of short-wavelength electromagnetic radiation usually produced by bombarding a metal target in a vacuum. Used to create images of the internal structure of objects; this is possible because X-rays pass through most objects and can expose photographic film.
   • X-rays are light with a wavelength between 0.1 and 10 nm.

   Synonyms:

   Röntgen radiation, Roentgen-ray

2. A radiograph: an image made with X-rays.
   • The doctor ordered some X-rays of my injured wrist.
3. An X-ray machine, a machine for performing radiography.
4. A tactical motif where a piece exerts influence or control over a square, piece, or line indirectly through another intervening piece.

See all 7 meanings of x-ray