imager

noun

im·​ag·​er ˈi-mi-jər 

plural imagers

: one that produces an image: such as

a

: any of various machines (such as a CT scanner or X-ray machine) used to produce diagnostic images of a living body

… we believe that our state-of-the-art NMR imager is more sensitive than our state-of-the-art CT scanner in the evaluation of these diseases. Thus, to exclude suspected disease, NMR is the preferred modality.

—William G. Bradley, Jr.

b

: an instrument that combines the functions of detection and image production to generate graphic output of extremely high quality for scientific or technical study

The payload includes a descent imager to characterize the landing site's geological context, a stereo imager for high-resolution mapping of the surroundings, a gas analyzer, and an environmental survey package.

—Robert Burnham

The imager can measure two- and three-dimensional beam-intensity distributions, and it can transfer data to a computer via a video frame grabber.

—Physics Today

Examples of imager in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

At night, attacks on the headlights of moving vehicles are possible, or the use of FPV drone with a thermal imager. —David Hambling, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

Then an X-ray tomography imager goes deeper, revealing interconnects and components buried within the circuit board. —IEEE Spectrum, 4 Oct. 2018

Juventas is equipped with a radar instrument that will be able to peer deep beneath the surface of the space rocks, while Milani has a multispectral imager to map minerals and dust on both asteroids. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024

These satellites can also detect wildfires, but the imagers on Planet's spacecraft have a narrower field of view than those envisioned by FireSat. —Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 16 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymageoure, ymager "one who makes images, sculptor," in part from imagen "to image entry 2" + -eoure, -er -er entry 2, in part borrowed from Middle French imagier, ymageur, derivatives of ymagier "to picture, imagine"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above