positron-emission tomography
noun
: tomography in which a cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances that have been administered (as by injection)
Examples of positron-emission tomography in a Sentence
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The potency of a fatty, sugary treat in triggering this release was highlighted by a 2023 study in which scientists used positron-emission tomography on a small sample of volunteers.
—
Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023
When these miserable souls go into a positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner, Wang sees the motivation regions of their brains go wild.
—Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019
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Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023
When these miserable souls go into a positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner, Wang sees the motivation regions of their brains go wild.
—Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019
Cite this Entry
“Positron-emission tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positron-emission%20tomography. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.
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