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

Simply put, this is similar to how a CT scan creates detailed images of the inside of the human body. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 31 July 2026

But when the pain persisted, a CT scan showed a cloudy mass in her pelvis. — Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 30 July 2026

One is a coronary artery calcium scan, a specialized CT scan that looks for calcified plaque in the arteries supplying the heart. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 27 July 2026

Months later, the patient is involved in a car accident and undergoes another CT scan. — Demetri Giannikopoulos, Forbes.com, 17 July 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