absorptiometry
(ăb-sorp‵shē-ŏm'ĕ-trē 
)
[absorptiometer]
The measurement of the dissipation of x-rays as they pass through substances, e.g., body tissues.
ABBR: DEXA; DXA
A radiographic technique used to measure the average density of the mineral concentration of bone, as at the femur, the heel, or the forearm. It is used primarily in the diagnosis of osteopenia and osteoporosis.