contrast material

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Word: Contrast Material

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: Contrast material is a substance that does not let X-rays pass through. It is used in medical imaging to help doctors see certain organs or tissues more clearly. When a patient receives contrast material, it fills up a specific area in the body, making it easier for a radiologist (a doctor who specializes in imaging) to examine that area on X-ray images.

Usage Instructions:

• Contrast material is mainly used in medical contexts, especially during procedures like X-rays, CT scans (computed tomography), or MRIs (magnetic resonance imaging).
• It is administered to a patient either by injection or by having them drink it.

Example:

• "The doctor ordered a CT scan with contrast material to get a better look at my kidneys."

Advanced Usage:

In advanced contexts, you might discuss the types of contrast materials, such as iodine-based or barium-based contrast agents, and their specific uses in different imaging techniques.

Word Variants:

• Contrast Agent: Another term used interchangeably with contrast material.
• Radiopaque: This describes a substance that does not allow X-rays to pass through, which is the property that makes contrast material effective.

Different Meanings:

• In everyday language, "contrast" can refer to the difference between two things (e.g., "The contrast between the bright and dark colors in the painting is striking"), but this is unrelated to the medical meaning of "contrast material."

Synonyms:

• Contrast agent
• Radiopaque substance

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "contrast material," but you might come across phrases like: - "In stark contrast," which means two things are very different from each other. - "Contrast with," which means to compare differences (e.g., "The results contrast with those from last year.").

Summary:

In summary, "contrast material" is an important medical term used to describe a substance that helps doctors see images of the body more clearly during imaging tests.

Academic

Noun

1. a substance that is opaque to x-rays; when administered it allows a radiologist to examine the organ or tissue it fills

Synonyms

• contrast medium