: 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
Burak OzgurWhat 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
Adam Rogerscalled also CAT scan
see ct scanner
CT scanning
noun
Examples of CT scan in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Back in Chicago, Sereno and his team cleaned and conducted a CT scan on the teeth and bones of the Spinosaurus mirabilis to create a digital skull rendering, UChicago said.
—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
The advocacy organization now recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan for people ages 50 to 80 years who smoke or used to smoke and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking.
—Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
At Lake Norman hospital, a CT scan showed York had two intestinal leaks.
—Amber Gaudet
updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Cardiologists recommend getting a CT scan to get your calcium risk score beginning at age 40 and then every five years.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Some people benefit from knowing their coronary artery calcium score, for example, which is produced by a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
Eventually, Silva was connected with a doctor who would take her pain seriously, referring her to get an MRI and CT scan in October 2024.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
McKay, Robby, and Ogilvie turn him to find a deep wound — moving him around to get him a CT scan may have brushed off the clot that was stopping it from bleeding.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
After some unsuccessful attempts to ease her headache, Avery then underwent a CT scan.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
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Adam Harrington, CBS News, 22 Feb. 2026
The advocacy organization now recommends yearly screening for lung cancer with a low-dose CT scan for people ages 50 to 80 years who smoke or used to smoke and have at least a 20 pack-year history of smoking.
—Mark Ryan, The Orlando Sentinel, 20 Feb. 2026
At Lake Norman hospital, a CT scan showed York had two intestinal leaks.
—Amber Gaudet
updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026
Cardiologists recommend getting a CT scan to get your calcium risk score beginning at age 40 and then every five years.
—Nicole Villalpando, Austin American Statesman, 18 Feb. 2026
Some people benefit from knowing their coronary artery calcium score, for example, which is produced by a low-dose CT scan that detects calcium buildup in the heart’s arteries.
—Angela Haupt, Time, 11 Feb. 2026
Eventually, Silva was connected with a doctor who would take her pain seriously, referring her to get an MRI and CT scan in October 2024.
—Vanessa Etienne, PEOPLE, 4 Feb. 2026
McKay, Robby, and Ogilvie turn him to find a deep wound — moving him around to get him a CT scan may have brushed off the clot that was stopping it from bleeding.
—Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 30 Jan. 2026
After some unsuccessful attempts to ease her headache, Avery then underwent a CT scan.
—Isabella Backman, Hartford Courant, 27 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“CT scan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/CT%20scan. Accessed 1 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
CT scan
noun
: 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
David Wallis, The New York TimesThe CT scan showed dilation of the ventricles, the fluid-filled cavities in the brain.—Burak Ozgur, Discover
Burak Ozgur, DiscoverThe CT scan shows a large mass within the lumen of the ascending colon.—The New England Journal of Medicine
The New England Journal of MedicineWhat 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
Adam Rogers, Harvard Medical Health Lettercalled also CAT scan
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