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radio-opacity

radio-opacity

8.1
A material that stops X-rays so it can be seen on an X-ray
  • noun
  • /ˌreɪdioʊˈoʊpəsi/
  • Specialized
translation icon : radioopacidad
  • The radio-opacity of the implant material allows it to be clearly seen on X-rays.

Examples

  • A higher degree of radio-opacity is desirable in dental fillings for easy identification.

  • The radio-opacity of lead is very high.

  • The doctor evaluated the radio-opacity of the mass to help determine its composition.

  • Different materials have varying radio-opacities.

  • The radio-opacity of the implant material allows it to be clearly seen on X-rays.

  • A higher degree of radio-opacity is desirable in dental fillings for easy identification.

  • The doctor evaluated the radio-opacity of the mass to help determine its composition.

Synonyms

opacity
vsradio-opacity
4 7.0

How much light or other rays something does not let through

refers specifically to blocking X-rays rather than general light or radiation
radiopacity
vsradio-opacity
  • Specialized
8.9

A measure of how easily something shows on an X-ray

states simple property of blocking X-rays without measuring degree

How Opaque

radio-opacity
  • Specialized
8.1
radiolucency
  • Specialized
8.7

Surface Forms

radio-opacity singular

Morphology

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

The noun 'opacity' is clear, but the combining form 'radio-' in this technical sense ('relating to X-rays/radiation') is specialized and may not be obvious to an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Radio-opacity combines radio- from a Latin word meaning 'ray', the same root you see in radiation and radiate, and opacity from opaque meaning 'not clear'. So radio-opacity literally means a material that 'blocks rays', which is why such things show up clearly on X-rays.