: 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
Lee says in the document, filed in federal court in the Western District of Texas, that El Gamal was initially denied a CT scan recommended by a doctor at the Dilley Detention Center.
—Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
The family's neighbors stepped in to care for Lily while both parents took Henry to the emergency room, and the toddler received X-rays, a CT scan and a neurological exam.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
In a CT scan, coronary artery calcium shows up as distinct, bright pixels.
—Katie Palmer, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
He was taken to a hospital after the game for a CT scan.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Seismometers offer silver bullets, allowing scientists to use moonquakes (whether homegrown or imported via lunar impacts of errant meteoroids) to effectively perform a CT scan of the deep subsurface.
—Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026
For comparison, the lens of the eye absorbs just 60 milligrays during a CT scan of the brain.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
The contents were a mystery, and a CT scan was performed at the University of Colorado Research Imaging Center in Aurora.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Under the micro-CT scan, a nearly complete juvenile skeleton emerged.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
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Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC news, 16 Apr. 2026
The family's neighbors stepped in to care for Lily while both parents took Henry to the emergency room, and the toddler received X-rays, a CT scan and a neurological exam.
—Adam England, PEOPLE, 16 Apr. 2026
In a CT scan, coronary artery calcium shows up as distinct, bright pixels.
—Katie Palmer, STAT, 15 Apr. 2026
He was taken to a hospital after the game for a CT scan.
—ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Seismometers offer silver bullets, allowing scientists to use moonquakes (whether homegrown or imported via lunar impacts of errant meteoroids) to effectively perform a CT scan of the deep subsurface.
—Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 7 Apr. 2026
For comparison, the lens of the eye absorbs just 60 milligrays during a CT scan of the brain.
—Katherine Bourzac, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Apr. 2026
The contents were a mystery, and a CT scan was performed at the University of Colorado Research Imaging Center in Aurora.
—Christa Swanson, CBS News, 24 Mar. 2026
Under the micro-CT scan, a nearly complete juvenile skeleton emerged.
—Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 19 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“CT scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CT%20scan. Accessed 22 Apr. 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
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