CAT scan

Also CT scan

[kat skan]

noun

1. an examination performed with a CAT scanner.

2. an x-ray image obtained by examination with a CAT scanner.

CAT scan

1. Short for computerized axial tomography scan. An image of a body structure produced by computerized axial tomography.

CAT scan

1. A three-dimensional image of a cross section of the body made with x-rays that is useful in diagnosing disease (for example, in detecting tumors). CAT stands for c omputerized a xial t omography, the name of the method used to produce the image.

Word History and Origins

Origin of CAT scan¹

First recorded in 1970–75; c(omputerized) a(xial) t(omography)