Definition

Magnetic Resonance Imaging—using powerful magnets and radio waves to create images without radiation, perfect for hypochondriacs.

Example Usage

The brain MRI ruled out structural abnormalities.

Origin

Developed from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) in the 1970s-80s; 'nuclear' was dropped for public acceptance

Fun Fact

MRI can't be used if you have certain metal implants since the magnet strength is 1.5-3 Tesla (roughly 30,000 times Earth's magnetic field).

Source: Radiology and medical imaging standards

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