transillumination
1
8.3
- noun
- /ˌtrænzɪluˈmɪneɪʃən/
- Specialized
- Using a flashlight, she demonstrated transillumination on the patient's wrist to show how light can reveal underlying issues.
Examples
-
Transillumination via the mastoidectomy can assist in orientation.
Academic text (2004) -
IT'S A TRANSILLUMINATION KIT.
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The doctor performed transillumination of the patient's abdomen to check for any abnormalities.
-
During the check-up, the physician used transillumination to examine the tissues for signs of infection.
How Clear
- Specialized
117
4.0
- Specialized
7
5.8
- Specialized
105
4.1
- Specialized
1
8.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
transillumination = illumination (transparent) = trans + illumination
The word is transparently built from 'trans-' (through) + 'illumination' (lighting), so the meaning 'shining light through tissue' follows directly.
Etymology
Transillumination comes from the parts trans- ('across') and illumination ('to light up'), the same idea you see in illuminate or transparent. In medicine, it means shining light through a body part to see inside, so doctors can find hidden problems.