x-ray tube

x-ray tube,

n an electronic tube in which roentgen rays can be generated. See radiographic tube.

X-ray

radiographic tube, Coolidge,

n.pr a vacuum tube in which roentgen rays are generated when the target (integral with the anode) is bombarded by electrons that are emitted from a heated filament (on the cathode) and accelerated toward the anode across a high-potential difference. Modern radiograph tubes are of this type. See also tube, Coolidge.

radiographic tube, Crookes',

n.pr a vacuum discharge tube used by Sir William Crookes in early experimental work with cathode rays. Wilhelm C. Roentgen first discovered that in addition to the production of cathode rays, radiographs were emitted during the operation of these tubes.

radiographic tube, gas,

n an early type of radiographic tube in which electrons were derived from residual gases within the tube.