transilluminate [trans-i-loo-muh-neyt, tranz-] Word Origin verb (used with object), trans·il·lu·mi·nat·ed, trans·il·lu·mi·nat·ing.
- to cause light to pass through.
- Medicine/Medical. to throw a strong light through (an organ or part) as a means of diagnosis.
Origin of transilluminate First recorded in 1885–90; trans- + illuminate Related formstrans·il·lu·mi·na·tion, nountrans·il·lu·mi·na·tor, noun British Dictionary definitions for transilluminate transilluminate verb
- (tr) med to pass a light through the wall of (a bodily cavity, membrane, etc) in order to detect fluid, lesions, etc
Derived Formstransillumination, nountransilluminator, noun