imager

noun

im·​ag·​er ˈi-mi-jər How to pronounce imager (audio)
plural imagers
: one that produces an image: such as
a
: any of various machines (such as a CT scanner or X-ray machine) used to produce diagnostic images of a living body
… we believe that our state-of-the-art NMR imager is more sensitive than our state-of-the-art CT scanner in the evaluation of these diseases. Thus, to exclude suspected disease, NMR is the preferred modality.William G. Bradley, Jr.
b
: an instrument that combines the functions of detection and image production to generate graphic output of extremely high quality for scientific or technical study
The payload includes a descent imager to characterize the landing site's geological context, a stereo imager for high-resolution mapping of the surroundings, a gas analyzer, and an environmental survey package.Robert Burnham
The imager can measure two- and three-dimensional beam-intensity distributions, and it can transfer data to a computer via a video frame grabber.Physics Today

Examples of imager in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Blue Ghost is carrying 10 NASA experiments on board, including a drill to measure lunar heat flow, an instrument to collect rock samples and an X-ray imager to study how Earth's magnetic field is impacted by cosmic forces such as solar wind. Joe Hernandez, NPR, 2 Mar. 2025 The instruments aboard Firefly's lander include a subsurface drill, an X-ray imager, and an experimental electrodynamic dust shield to test methods of repelling troublesome lunar dust from accumulating on sensitive spacecraft components. Kristin Shaw, Ars Technica, 27 Feb. 2025 The instrument will be a state-of-the-art multi-thermal EUV imager that will include two telescopes, specific to studying the solar wind and extreme space weather events. Meredith Garofalo, Space.com, 15 Feb. 2025 The camera can capture frame rates of up to 25 frames per second and requires so little power it can be operated by USB. Animation: Bergische Universität Wuppertal Scanner: The imager detects a terahertz radiation source in real time. IEEE Spectrum, 17 Apr. 2012 See All Example Sentences for imager

Word History

Etymology

Middle English ymageoure, ymager "one who makes images, sculptor," in part from imagen "to image entry 2" + -eoure, -er -er entry 2, in part borrowed from Middle French imagier, ymageur, derivatives of ymagier "to picture, imagine"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of imager was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Imager.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/imager. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.

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