Definition

Not allowing x-rays or other types of radiation to pass through.

Example

The doctor used a radiopaque dye to help visualize the organs during the scan.

Conversation

Did you know that some materials are radiopaque?

Really? What does that mean exactly?

It means they block x-rays from passing through them.

That’s interesting! I guess that makes them useful in medical imaging.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Radiopaque → It is formed from "radi" (from Latin "radius", meaning ray) and "opaque" (from Latin "opacus", meaning dark or not transparent). The word "radiopaque" describes a substance that does not allow rays, such as X-rays, to pass through it, making it appear dark on radiographic images.

Memory Tip

Think of 'rays' ('radi') being blocked by something 'dark' ('opaque') — that's why radiopaque means it doesn't let rays pass through.

Visually Confused Words