: a cross-sectional, three-dimensional image of an internal body part produced by computed tomography chiefly for diagnostic purposes
The CT scan showed dilation of the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities in the brain.Burak Ozgur
What distinguishes a CT scan from a conventional x-ray is its geometry. … Measurements are collected and assembled by a computer into images that correspond to anatomical slices of the body.Adam Rogers

called also CAT scan

see ct scanner
CT scanning noun

Examples of CT scan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After two surgeries and several rounds of radiation therapy over the past four years to treat a tumor, Irisleydis Tristá has spent the past seven months unable to get a CT scan to determine whether the cancer has grown or spread. Andrea Rodríguez, Los Angeles Times, 2 July 2026 On June 3, Walden went to the hospital, where a CT scan revealed the metal bristle had become lodged in his bowel and had begun puncturing his intestine. Nick Lunemann, CBS News, 30 June 2026 Manager Terry Francona said Suárez will have a CT scan on Monday after traveling with the team to Milwaukee for the start of a four-game series against the Brewers. ABC News, 28 June 2026 Doctors had detected it during an exploratory surgery after getting abnormal results from a routine CT scan, per The Athletic. Emily Blackwood, PEOPLE, 27 June 2026 Following the fight, Pereira received a 180-day medical suspension, the maximum term, pending a clean maxillofacial CT scan for facial injuries. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026 His CT scan Wednesday night came back clear. Zach Dean, FOXNews.com, 12 June 2026 This time he was referred to the vascular clinic by the New England Center and Home for Veterans to follow up on CT scan results. Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 8 June 2026 Talley allegedly was able to hide a gun until a CT scan was about to be performed. Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

computerized tomography

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of CT scan was in 1974

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“CT scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CT%20scan. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

Kids Definition

CT scan

noun

Medical Definition

CT scan

noun
: a cross-sectional, three-dimensional image of an internal body part produced by computed tomography chiefly for diagnostic purposes
A CT scan detected a lesion on her jawbone …David Wallis, The New York Times
The CT scan showed dilation of the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities in the brain.Burak Ozgur, Discover
The CT scan shows a large mass within the lumen of the ascending colon.The New England Journal of Medicine
What distinguishes a CT scan from a conventional x-ray is its geometry. … Measurements are collected and assembled by a computer into images that correspond to anatomical slices of the body.Adam Rogers, Harvard Medical Health Letter

called also CAT scan

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