positron-emission tomography

noun

: tomography in which a cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances that have been administered (as by injection)

Examples of positron-emission tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The potency of a fatty, sugary treat in triggering this release was highlighted by a 2023 study in which scientists used positron-emission tomography on a small sample of volunteers. Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023 In 1995 Maguire and his colleagues published the first positron-emission tomography (PET) study of the problem, scanning the brains of four people who stutter, and reported consistent decreases in neural activity in language areas. Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2021 When these miserable souls go into a positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner, Wang sees the motivation regions of their brains go wild. Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019 In the new study, the authors used positron-emission tomography to scan immune system activity in mice that had the blood in a single cerebral artery interrupted for 45 minutes, mimicking an ischemic stroke. Bret Stetka, Scientific American, 2 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'positron-emission tomography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of positron-emission tomography was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near positron-emission tomography

positron

positron-emission tomography

positronium

Cite this Entry

“Positron-emission tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positron-emission%20tomography. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

positron-emission tomography

noun
: tomography in which an in vivo, noninvasive, cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded cathode-ray tube representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances
abbreviation PET
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!