Glossary of Meteorological Terms (XYZ)

XYZ

X-ray

Electromagnetic radiation of very short wavelength, lying within the wavelength interval of 0.1 to 1.5 angstroms (between gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation). X-rays penetrate various thicknesses of all solids, and they act on photographic plates in the same manner as light. Secondary x-rays are produced whenever x-rays are absorbed by a substance. In the case of absorption by a gas, this results in ionization.

Xylem

A vascular tissue in land plants primarily responsible for the distribution of water and minerals taken up by the roots; also the primary component of wood. wiktionary.org

Yagi-Uda antenna

Commonly known as Yagi antenna. A type of directional antenna used on some types of radar and radio equipment consisting of an array of elemental, single-wire dipole antennas and reflectors. Invented in 1926 by Shintaro Uda and Hidetsugu Yagi of Tohoku University, Japan.

Zephyr

Any soft, gentle breeze.

Zulu time

Same as Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).