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

According to the Mayo Clinic, a bone density scan—also called a DEXA (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) scan—is a quick and painless test that detects early signs of bone loss. —Sandra Rose Salathe, Flow Space, 9 Dec. 2024

In that study of over 18,000 adults, researchers also looked at BMI and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 June 2024

Participants’ bone mineral density (BMD) scores were measured through an imaging technique known as dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA); they were also given a trabecular bone score (TBS) which assesses bone quality independently of BMD. —Kristen Fischer, Health, 2 Aug. 2024

For the study, the researchers also had dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measurements, a gold standard for body composition that measured fat mass and lean mass in each of the youths. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 3 June 2024

Researchers then found each person’s body fat percentage via a body scan called dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and used a model to identify obesity based on body fat. —Lauryn Higgins, Health, 12 June 2024

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