linear accelerator

Definition of linear accelerator
National Cancer Institute

linear accelerator

(LIH-nee-er ak-SEH-leh-RAY-ter)
A machine that uses electricity to form a stream of fast-moving subatomic particles. This creates high-energy radiation that may be used to treat cancer. Also called linac, mega-voltage linear accelerator, and MeV linear accelerator.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms