sulfur hexafluoride
- noun
- /ˈsʌlfər ˌhɛksəˈfluɔrɪd/
- Specialized
:
hexafluoruro de azufre
- Doctors use sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles to enhance ultrasound images of patients' livers during diagnostic scans.
Examples
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The radiologist observed the sulfur hexafluoride contrast noticeably improving the tumor's visibility on ultrasound.
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Clinical trials found that sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles are safe and effective as an ultrasound contrast agent.
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The doctor used sulfur hexafluoride to enhance the ultrasound images.
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Many hospitals are now using sulfur hexafluoride for better imaging.
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Doctors use sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles to enhance ultrasound images of patients' livers during diagnostic scans.
-
The radiologist observed the sulfur hexafluoride contrast noticeably improving the tumor's visibility on ultrasound.
-
Clinical trials found that sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles are safe and effective as an ultrasound contrast agent.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The term is compositionally built: 'sulfur' + 'hexafluoride' clearly indicates a sulfur compound with six fluorine atoms, so a learner who knows the constituents can infer it is a specific chemical (typically a gas). However, the specialized medical use as a microbubble ultrasound contrast agent is technical and not derivable from the parts, so the transparency is only partial.
Etymology
Sulfur hexafluoride is the name of the gas used inside tiny medical bubbles, and the name shows it is sulfur plus six fluorine atoms. Doctors use microbubbles filled with this heavy gas because the bubbles make sound bounce back and 'show up' on an ultrasound, so organs or tumors are easier to see.
