: 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
Burak OzgurWhat 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
Adam Rogerscalled also CAT scan
see ct scanner
CT scanning
noun
Examples of CT scan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Under the micro-CT scan, a nearly complete juvenile skeleton emerged.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Their doctor had ordered a CT scan – a type of imaging that creates detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body’s interior – to look for pneumonia or another infection.
—Peter Gunderman, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Aguto had a CT scan and an EKG at the local hospital and received a concussion diagnosis.
—Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
On March 4, Towle posted a TikTok video reacting in real time to CT scan results related to her cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
Howard Knox is back from his CT scan at Presbyterian, and Abbot has some bad news to deliver.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The medical staff sent the patient for a CT scan, primarily to look for blood clots.
—Emily Brindley, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
An annual chest X-ray — or better yet, low-dose CT scan — is favored as a screening tool by some providers and in some situations.
—Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Cardiologists recommend getting a CT scan to get your calcium risk score beginning at age 40 and then every five years.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
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.
Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Their doctor had ordered a CT scan – a type of imaging that creates detailed cross-sectional pictures of the body’s interior – to look for pneumonia or another infection.
—Peter Gunderman, The Conversation, 18 Mar. 2026
Aguto had a CT scan and an EKG at the local hospital and received a concussion diagnosis.
—Eleanor Watson, CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
On March 4, Towle posted a TikTok video reacting in real time to CT scan results related to her cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis.
—Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 12 Mar. 2026
Howard Knox is back from his CT scan at Presbyterian, and Abbot has some bad news to deliver.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 6 Mar. 2026
The medical staff sent the patient for a CT scan, primarily to look for blood clots.
—Emily Brindley, Chicago Tribune, 5 Mar. 2026
An annual chest X-ray — or better yet, low-dose CT scan — is favored as a screening tool by some providers and in some situations.
—Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
Cardiologists recommend getting a CT scan to get your calcium risk score beginning at age 40 and then every five years.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“CT scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CT%20scan. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical 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
David Wallis, The New York TimesThe CT scan showed dilation of the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities in the brain.—Burak Ozgur, Discover
Burak Ozgur, DiscoverThe CT scan shows a large mass within the lumen of the ascending colon.—The New England Journal of Medicine
The New England Journal of MedicineWhat 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
Adam Rogers, Harvard Medical Health Lettercalled also CAT scan
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
