tomography

noun

to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmä-grə-fē 

: 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

ˌtō-mə-ˈgra-fik 

adjective

Examples of tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Full-body scans use different technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET), according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

From ultrasound to eddy currents, laser ultrasound to X-ray computerized tomography, PNNL researchers have been deploying a wide range of methods in their research to identify appropriate means for inspection. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 2 July 2026

Many caregivers first hear about PSMA when a doctor recommends a PSMA-PET (prostate-specific membrane antigen positron emission tomography) scan. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 15 June 2026

In medical imaging, devices such as positron emission tomography scanners, or PET scanners for short, detect radiation produced when particles of antimatter – positrons – annihilate with electrons, which are normal matter. — Christopher Karwin, The Conversation, 8 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing tomography

• computed tomography
• positron-emission tomography

Rhymes for tomography

• actuary
• antiquary
• bolsheviki
• bronchoscopy
• calliope
• chelicerae
• colposcopy
• covenantee
• cruciferae
• cystoscopy
• diastole
• distributee

Medical Definition

tomography

noun

to·​mog·​ra·​phy tō-ˈmäg-rə-fē 

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

ˌtō-mə-ˈgraf-ik 

adjective