tomography

noun

to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmä-grə-fē 

: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of a solid object (such as the human body or the earth) by the observation and recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy impinging on those structures compare computed tomography

tomographic

ˌtō-mə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

Examples of tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Imaging tests: X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans, which use electromagnetic waves to create pictures of your airways Laryngoscopy: A tube inserted through the mouth and into the back of the throat and larynx (voice box) Treatments Compression asphyxia is not always deadly. —Korin Miller, Health, 10 May 2024

The process, called cryoablation, uses imaging guidance such as ultrasound or a computed tomography (CT) scan to locate tumors, per a press release shared by the Society of Interventional Radiology late last month. —Angel Saunders, Peoplemag, 9 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Greek tomos section + International Scientific Vocabulary -graphy — more at tome

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tomography

• computed tomography
• positron-emission tomography

Medical Definition

tomography

noun

to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmäg-rə-fē 

plural tomographies

: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of a solid object (as the human body) by the observation and recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy impinging on those structures

called also stratigraphy

see computed tomography, positron-emission tomography

tomographic

ˌtō-mə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective