CAT 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

/ kăt /

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

His first prescription when I saw him was to have the CAT scan test that I had been forced to postpone for a month and a half.

From The Daily Beast

Never mind that a CAT scan taken after the incident confirmed that he had suffered a concussion.

From The Daily Beast

This test is a noninvasive cat scan (CT scan) of your heart to look for coronary calcium buildup.

From The Daily Beast