contrast medium

contrast medium definition - medical

contrast medium

noun
A substance, such as barium or air, used in radiography to increase the contrast of an image. A positive contrast medium absorbs x-rays more strongly than the tissue or structure being examined; a negative contrast medium, less strongly. Also called contrast agent.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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