A fáng qiān fú (lead apron) is a protective garment worn during medical imaging procedures—such as X-rays or fluoroscopy—to shield the body from ionizing radiation. The word breaks down literally as fáng (to prevent/protect), qiān (lead, the dense metal used for its radiation-blocking properties), and fú (clothing/garment). Together, they form a compound noun meaning 'radiation-shielding clothing made of lead.'

This specialized item is standard equipment in radiology departments, dental clinics, and interventional labs. While modern versions often use lead-equivalent composites (like barium or tungsten) for lighter weight, the term fáng qiān fú remains the universal technical and colloquial name in Chinese medical contexts. It is always treated as a countable noun and typically modified by measure words like yī jiàn (one piece) or yī tào (one set).