Definition: Penetrating electromagnetic radiation emitted when the inner orbital electrons of an atom are excited and release radiant energy. X-ray wavelengths range from 1 pm to 10 nm. Hard X-rays are the higher energy, shorter wavelength X-rays. Soft x-rays or Grenz rays are less energetic and longer in wavelength. The short wavelength end of the X-ray spectrum overlaps the GAMMA RAYS wavelength range. The distinction between gamma rays and X-rays is based on their radiation source.
almost never IM; /diag use
Other names Xray; Roentgen Rays; Grenz Rays; X-Ray; X-Radiations; X Rays; X Radiations; X Radiation; Rays, Roentgen; Rays, Grenz; Radiations, X; Xrays; X-Radiation; Radiation, X
