CT scan

noun

ˌsē-ˈtē- 

: 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

Women at risk for lung cancer can talk to their doctors about ordering a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

To understand Invictibellatrix, researchers first took a CT scan of the fossil to create a 3D model of that part of its skull. — Archie Clarke, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026

The Vatican did not say when Leo underwent the diagnostic tests, which also included a chest CT scan with contrast and a PET scan. — ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026

According to the American Cancer Society, a lung nodule is a small abnormal area, less than or equal to 3 cm, found during a CT scan of the chest or abdomen. — Ava Pukatch, NPR, 11 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

computerized tomography

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for CT scan

• an
• ban
• bran
• can
• cann
• clan
• duan
• fan
• flan
• gran
• jann
• klan

Kids Definition

CT scan

noun

ˌsē-ˈtē- 

: cat scan

Medical Definition

CT scan

noun

(ˈ)sē-ˈtē- 

: 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