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Glite Dictionary
radio-opaque

radio-opaque

7.9
A material that does not let X-rays pass and looks white on an X-ray
  • adjective
  • /ˌreɪdioʊ oʊˈpeɪk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radioopaco
  • Nexplanon is radio-opaque, i.e., it is radiologically detectable in situations where the implant is non-palpable.

Examples

  • The doctor explained that the radio-opaque dye would help them see the blood vessels clearly during the X-ray.

  • Due to its radio-opaque nature, the material shows up brightly on the diagnostic images, aiding in accurate identification.

  • When analyzing the patient's scans, the radiologist noted that the radio-opaque areas indicated where the contrast agent had pooled.

Synonyms

radiopaque
vsradio-opaque
  • Specialized
9.4

An object that does not let X-rays pass through and looks white on an X-ray

is written with a hyphen though it means the same thing

How Opaque

radio-opaque
  • Specialized
7.9
radiolucent
  • Specialized
1 9.9

Surface Forms

radio-opaque positive

Morphology

radio-opaque = opaque (semi-transparent) = radio- + opaque

The combination of 'radio-' (relating to radiation) and 'opaque' yields the meaning, but 'radio-' as 'radiation' (rather than 'broadcast') may be unfamiliar or ambiguous to average learners.

Etymology

Radio-opaque joins radio- from a word meaning 'ray' or 'radiation', as in radiation, and opaque meaning 'not letting light through'. So a radio-opaque thing does not let X-ray 'rays' pass and therefore shows up white and clear on an X-ray image.