: 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.
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 Fortunately for Fried and the Yankees, a CT scan, an MRI and multiple doctors determined that the pitcher’s ulnar collateral ligament is intact, and that surgery is unnecessary. Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 25 May 2026 Within 30 minutes of her CT scan a month ago, Trina Gregory says, doctors flooded her hospital room. Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 May 2026 After undergoing a CT scan, he was shocked by the results. Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026 OpenEvidence said that a CT scan was preferred to confirm that type of fracture and provided several links to papers with more information. Jared Perlo, NBC news, 13 May 2026 Cook County Assistant State's Attorney Mike Pekara said that after metal handcuffs were removed so a CT scan could be conducted, Talley reached under a blanket and fatally shot Officer John Bartholomew in the face. Michael Tobin, FOXNews.com, 7 May 2026 And that follow-up, a low-dose CT scan, showed the mass had grown. Armstrong Williams, Baltimore Sun, 1 May 2026 Talley removed his pants, but was given a gown and a blanket to wear during a CT scan. Sabrina Franza, CBS News, 30 Apr. 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 1 Jun. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster