CT scan

noun

ˌsē-ˈtē- 

: 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

What 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

called also CAT scan

see ct scanner

CT scanning noun

Examples of CT scan in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

He was cleared to return after a CT scan showed no signs of internal bleeding. — Chuck Schilken, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

Examples include toxic protein clumps linked to Alzheimer’s, blood sugar levels in diabetes, blood pressure readings or imaging results from an MRI or CT scan. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 28 Oct. 2026

Using the fragments from the hornbill’s original beak and a CT scan, ARTIS meticulously reconstructed the original shape. — Rachel Raposas, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2026

Women at risk for lung cancer can talk to their doctors about ordering a low-dose CT scan for lung cancer screening. — Estelamari Rodriguez, The Conversation, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

computerized tomography

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for CT scan

• an
• ban
• bran
• can
• cann
• clan
• duan
• fan
• flan
• gran
• jann
• klan

Kids Definition

CT scan

noun

ˌsē-ˈtē- 

: cat scan

Medical Definition

CT scan

noun

(ˈ)sē-ˈtē- 

: 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

The CT scan showed dilation of the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities in the brain.

—Burak Ozgur, Discover

The CT scan shows a large mass within the lumen of the ascending colon.

—The New England Journal of Medicine

What 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

called also CAT scan