computed tomography

noun

: radiography in which a three-dimensional image of a body structure is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis

called also computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography

Examples of computed tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Researchers from San Diego State University stuck an entire juvenile minke whale inside a computed tomography (CT) scanning machine to virtually slice and dice its anatomy with X-rays. Nathaniel Scharping, Discover Magazine, 23 Apr. 2018 For those who can get screened, the most common way is using low-dose computed tomography scans, called LDCT. Pranshu Verma, Washington Post, 1 Feb. 2023 An example of an x-ray computed tomography (CT )scanner. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 14 Apr. 2014 Here, a unique look at a seal’s facial features courtesy of a computed tomography (CT) scan. Discover Magazine, 21 Mar. 2014 Both a chest x-ray and computed tomography scan of his head, however, yielded no clues as to the nature of his unusual illness. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 30 Jan. 2017 The researchers studied a broad range of species through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans of dead or anesthetized primates. Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2022 In particular, computed tomography scans taken by Justin Lemberg, a researcher in Dr. Shubin’s lab, have allowed scientists to peer inside rock to see the bones within. New York Times, 29 Apr. 2022 The treatment resulted in the termination of the patient’s fever, normal CRP, and improvement on opacities of her chest computed tomography (CT). William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 13 Apr. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'computed tomography.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of computed tomography was in 1974

Dictionary Entries Near computed tomography

Cite this Entry

“Computed tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computed%20tomography. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

computed tomography

noun
: the process by which a CAT scan is produced

called also computerized tomography

Medical Definition

computed tomography

noun
: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of an internal body structure by computerized combination of two-dimensional cross-sectional X-ray images
abbreviation CT

called also computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography

see ct colonography, ct scan

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