radiology
ray-dee-OLL-uh-jee
/ˌreɪ.diˈɒl.ə.dʒi/
The branch of medicine that uses imaging technology to diagnose and treat disease.
Specifically refers to the medical specialty, not just the machines themselves.
The story behind the word. Combines 'radius' (Latin for 'spoke' or 'ray') with '-logy' (study). It reflects the early use of X-ray beams.
Word relationships
- roentgenology: An older, more specific term for X-ray study, named after Wilhelm Röntgen.
Commonly confused with
- radiography: Radiography is the act of taking the images; radiology is the study and interpretation of them.
Word family
- radiologist (noun): A doctor specializing in radiology.
- radiographic (adjective): Relating to radiology.
Collocations
- interventional radiology
- diagnostic radiology
- radiology department
- radiology report
Example sentences
- "After finishing medical school, she decided to specialize in pediatric radiology." Career choice
- "Radiology is the key to modern medicine, providing the eyes for the surgeon." Medical textbook
Memory hook
Radio-logy: Studying the 'radioactive' rays. The study of rays.
When not to use
Don't use it to refer to a single X-ray; that's a radiograph.
Fun facts
- Radiology was once called 'Skiagraphy', from the Greek for 'shadow writing'.
Explore more words
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