tomography

noun

to·mog·ra·phy | \ tō-ˈmä-grə-fē

Definition of tomography

: 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

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Examples of tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Virtually sorting through the layers of bone and dirt using computerized tomography, scientists analyzed the bones. — Michael Price, Science | AAAS, "Scientists unearth Africa’s oldest burial: a small child, laid to rest 78,000 years ago," 5 May 2021 The machine relies on computerized tomography or CT scans, a series of x-ray images taken from different angles of a body that are then processed by a computer to create cross-sectional images or slices of bones, blood vessels and soft tissues. — Stephen Hudak, orlandosentinel.com, "Cutting edge tool helps medical examiner’s office solve crimes, mysteries," 27 Apr. 2021 To better understand the structure and function of the new pterosaur’s anatomy, the team scanned the fossil using micro-computerized tomography, an imaging technique that uses X-rays to create a 3D image of an object by scanning it slice by slice. — Alex Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, "‘Monkeydactyl’ May Have Climbed Using Opposable Thumbs," 17 Apr. 2021 Conde-Valverde and her team made 3-D scans using computerized tomography to construct digital models of the structures of the inner ears of five Neandertals. — Jan Osterkamp, Scientific American, "Neandertals Probably Perceived Speech Quite Well," 8 Mar. 2021 The devices—used for CT scans, MRIs, X-Rays, mammograms, ultrasounds, and positron emission tomography—use a default password to receive regular maintenance. — Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, "GE puts default password in radiology devices, leaving healthcare networks exposed," 8 Dec. 2020 Researchers first placed the remains in a computerized tomography scanner, which has been used in the past to peer beneath mummy bandages. — Colin Barras, Science | AAAS, "Atom smasher unearths surprises hidden with 2000-year-old mummy," 24 Nov. 2020 To diagnose pancreatic cancer, a doctor might conduct imaging tests like ultrasounds, computerized tomography (CT) scans, or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), according to the Mayo Clinic. — Hannah Dylan Pasternak, SELF, "‘Jeopardy!’ Host Alex Trebek Died Nearly 2 Years After Revealing His Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis," 9 Nov. 2020 During the 1990s, Maguire and colleagues were among the first to use a certain kind of brain scan, positron emission tomography, on people who stutter. — Amber Dance Knowable Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine, "What Neuroscientists Are Discovering About Stuttering," 4 Sep. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tomography.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Last Updated

7 May 2021

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“Tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tomography. Accessed 13 May. 2021.

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More Definitions for tomography

tomography

noun

to·mog·ra·phy | \ tō-ˈmäg-rə-fē

plural tomographies

Medical Definition of tomography

: 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