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)

Example Sentences

She does this in order to pick her nose, before licking the mucus, as scientists confirmed by observation followed by CAT scan to determine that the chopstick-like digit reaches all the way to the pharynx.

From Salon

He says the digitisation of operating theatre processes will allow hundreds of thousands of more operations per year, and that adopting recent technology will help doctors read MRI and CAT scans more accurately.

From BBC

Late last year, Francis underwent a CAT scan that ruled out pneumonia, but the pope was still forced to call off a trip to the Gulf because of a bad bout of acute, infectious bronchitis.

From Seattle Times

Researchers used micro-CT scanning, similar to CAT scans humans use in medical facilities, to image the internal architecture of each vertebra and quantified various mineral structures found in the calcified cartilage.

From Science Daily

He went to the hospital Saturday for a CAT scan, and the Vatican said the test had ruled out pneumonia.

From Washington Times