dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

noun

du·​al-en·​er·​gy X-ray absorptiometry ˈdü(-ə)l-ˈe-nər-jē- 

 also  ˈdyü-əl-

variants or dual energy X-ray absorptiometry

: absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material (such as bone) is measured by comparing the material's absorption of X-rays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content of bone

—abbreviation DEXA, DXA

Examples of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Chinese researchers used dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA scan) to measure abdominal and whole-body fat mass and also looked at BMI and waist circumference in nearly 9,700 participants aged 20 to 59 years old. —Laura Hensley, Verywell Health, 1 Mar. 2024

Researchers measured whole-body, total hip, femoral neck, and lumbar spine bone mineral density at enrollment and followed up during year one, year three, and year six using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, also known as a DEXA scan. —L'oreal Thompson Payton, Fortune Well, 27 Feb. 2023

All women over 65 and postmenopausal women under 65 who have additional risk factors like yours should be screened with a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 9 Dec. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

1988, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry

noun

du·​al-energy X-ray absorptiometry

ˈd(y)ü-əl-

: absorptiometry in which the density or mass of a material (such as bone or fat) is measured by comparing the material's absorption of X-rays of two different energies and which is used especially for determining the mineral content and density of bone

A medical exam ascertained bone density by using dual-energy X- ray absorptiometry (DXA), a standard method of assessing the extent of osteoporosis.

—Mari N. Jensen, Science News

—abbreviation DEXA, DXA