Definition: MRI stands for "magnetic resonance imaging." An MRI is a type of medical imaging technology that uses magnetic fields. To produce an MRI image, the patient's body is placed in a strong magnetic field. This makes certain atoms in the body produce signals that can be detected by special radio equipment in the MRI machine. A computer then creates an image of the part of the body under study. Since the powerful magnetic fields used can cause problems with hip implants or heart pacemakers, people with these or other metallic objects in the body should not have MRIs performed without special precautions.
Pronunciation: em-are-eye
Also Known As: magnetic resonance imaging
Common Misspellings: MIR
Examples:
Today's MRI machines can produce three-dimensional images of organs deep inside the body and reveal features much smaller than an inch in size.
