X-ray tube

noun

a vacuum tube containing a metal target onto which a beam of electrons is directed at high energy for the generation of X rays

• Hypernyms: ↑tube, ↑vacuum tube, ↑thermionic vacuum tube, ↑thermionic tube, ↑electron tube, ↑thermionic valve

• Part Holonyms: ↑X-ray machine

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noun

Usage: usually capitalized X

: a high-vacuum tube in which a concentrated stream of electrons from a thermionic cathode strikes a metal target and produces X rays from the side of the tube at right angles in a quantity and intensity that is controlled by the cathode temperature, with a wavelength and hardness that depends upon the voltage applied to the tube terminals, and with a spectral character determined by the material of the target

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an electronic tube for producing x-rays, essentially a cathode-ray tube in which a metal target is bombarded with high-energy electrons.

[1905-10]

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X-ray tube noun

A tube enclosing a vacuum, in which X-rays are emitted from a metal target placed obliquely opposite to an incandescent cathode whose high-energy electrons impinge on the target

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Main Entry: ↑X-ray

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X-ray tube,

a vacuum tube for generating X rays.

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n. Physics a device for generating X-rays by accelerating electrons to high energies and causing them to strike a metal target from which the X-rays are emitted