Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun A diatomic molecule that exists only when one of the atoms is in an excited energy state, especially one whose atoms are the same chemical element.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun chemistry, physics Any diatomic molecule, at least one of whose atoms is in an excited state

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[exc(ited) + (d)imer.]

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

exci- + -mer

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Examples

  • The experimental procedure, called photo-refractive keratectomy (PRK) and performed only by ophthalmologists, uses a new "excimer" laser to treat moderate degrees of nearsightedness (myopia).

    A Light For Poor Eyes 2008

  • Striae albae the white, shiny scars, can be repigmented with an excimer laser, which emits UVB light that stimulates melanocytes to make more melanin in that area.

    Simple Skin Beauty Ellen Marmur 2009

  • So far the excimer laser is used primarily for small patches because treating large areas would take a half hour or more, making the visit economically impractical for the doctor.

    New Laser for Psoriasis Aims to Cut Treatment 2009

  • The excimer can result in burns and blisters similar to sunburn.

    New Laser for Psoriasis Aims to Cut Treatment 2009

  • The excimer laser, best known for its use in eye surgery, is now being used to treat psoriasis.

    New Laser for Psoriasis Aims to Cut Treatment 2009

  • Striae albae the white, shiny scars, can be repigmented with an excimer laser, which emits UVB light that stimulates melanocytes to make more melanin in that area.

    Simple Skin Beauty Ellen Marmur 2009

  • For mild cases of psoriasis, excimer and pulsed dye laser treatments are used when topical applications cease to be effective.

    Psoriasis Guru » Blog Archive » UV Light – UVA and UVB Phototherapy 2009

  • The excimer laser "is very effective for localized plaques and is particularly useful for palms and soles," where topical treatments aren't practical, says Mark Lebwohl, head of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and chairman of the medical board of the National Psoriasis Foundation.

    New Laser for Psoriasis Aims to Cut Treatment 2009

  • Striae albae the white, shiny scars, can be repigmented with an excimer laser, which emits UVB light that stimulates melanocytes to make more melanin in that area.

    Simple Skin Beauty Ellen Marmur 2009

  • However, John Koo, vice chairman of the department of dermatology at the University of California in San Francisco, says that the excimer won't work any faster than the light chamber if doctors use it in a "wimpy" way.

    New Laser for Psoriasis Aims to Cut Treatment 2009

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