transilluminate

[ trans-i-loo-muh-neyt, tranz- ]

verb (used with object)

, trans·il·lu·mi·nat·ed, trans·il·lu·mi·nat·ing.

1. to cause light to pass through.
2. Medicine/Medical. to throw a strong light through (an organ or part) as a means of diagnosis.

transilluminate

/ ˌtrænzɪˈluːmɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. tr med to pass a light through the wall of (a bodily cavity, membrane, etc) in order to detect fluid, lesions, etc

Derived Forms

• ˌtransilˌlumiˈnation, noun
• ˌtransilˈlumiˌnator, noun

Other Words From

• transil·lumi·nation noun
• transil·lumi·nator noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of transilluminate¹

First recorded in 1885–90; trans- + illuminate