derma ray

noun

A weak radioactive ray arising from the impact of cathode particles with the molecules of gas contained in an X-ray tube or with the glass walls of the tube.

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Meanings

nounderma ray (plural derma rays)

plural derma rays

  1. archaicnatural sciencesA weak radioactive ray arising from the impact of cathode particles with the molecules of gas contained in an X-ray tube or with the glass walls of the tube.

Origin

Perhaps because they were found to cause dermatitis.

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Cite this entry
APA

derma ray. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/derma%20ray

MLA

“derma ray.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/derma%20ray. Accessed November 4, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “derma ray,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/derma%20ray.

Source: derma ray on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.