tomography

noun

to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmä-grə-fē How to pronounce tomography (audio)
: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of a solid object (such as the human body or the earth) by the observation and recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy impinging on those structures compare computed tomography
tomographic adjective

Examples of tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web However, the Cognito trial used a type of brain imaging called positron emission tomography, or PET, which detects dense amyloid plaques. Emily Mullin, WIRED, 6 Mar. 2024 The idea of digging deeper is even more interesting because Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), geo-electric (Electric Resistivity Tomography), seismic tomography, and core drillings have already revealed what appear to be buried chambers and tunnels. Discover Staff, Discover Magazine, 28 Feb. 2024 The team's approach combined digital scanning with micro-computed tomography—a noninvasive technique often used for cancer imaging—with segmentation to digitally create pages, augmented with texturing and flattening techniques. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 Feb. 2024 Enlarge / Seismic tomography scan of the Church Group at the frequency of 4.76 Hz, revealing areas of low velocity (in blue) that could indicate the presence of underground chambers or natural cavities. Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 5 July 2023 This is done using optical coherence tomography (OCT), a non-invasive high-resolution 3D imaging method, using light waves to take cross-sections of the tissue. IEEE Spectrum, 19 Dec. 2023 Many also require pre-authorization for things like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computerized tomography (CT) scans, expensive prescription drugs, and medical equipment such as home oxygen and hospital beds. Elaine Hinzey, Verywell Health, 17 Dec. 2023 In order to confirm a diagnosis of kidney stones, physicians may use imaging techniques such as ultrasound or computed tomography (CT) scans. Tara Subramaniam, CNN, 15 June 2023 In the study, the team used computer tomography to create 3D models of the nasal cavities of two seal species–the Arctic bearded seal (Erignathus barbatus) and the Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus). Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 14 Dec. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word '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

Etymology

Greek tomos section + International Scientific Vocabulary -graphy — more at tome

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tomography was in 1935

Dictionary Entries Near tomography

Cite this Entry

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

Medical Definition

tomography

noun
to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmäg-rə-fē How to pronounce tomography (audio)
plural tomographies
: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of the internal structures of a solid object (as the human body) by the observation and recording of the differences in the effects on the passage of waves of energy impinging on those structures

called also stratigraphy

see computed tomography, positron-emission tomography
tomographic adjective

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