CAT scan

American  

[kat skan] / ˈkæt ˌskæn /

Also CT scan

noun

1. an examination performed with a CAT scanner.

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

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CAT scan Scientific  

/ kăt /

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

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CAT scan Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of CAT scan

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

Example Sentences

He ordered a barrage of tests — according to Partridge she had two MRIs, two EEGs, a SPECT, a CAT scan and a spinal tap, as well as more than a dozen different antibody tests.

From BBC • Jan. 10, 2026

After cancelling his audiences Saturday — including with the visiting leader of Guinea Bissau — he went to the hospital for a CAT scan, and the Vatican said the test had ruled out pneumonia.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 28, 2023

A CAT scan later revealed what doctors called an opacity in his left lung, and Mr. Augenstein couldn’t help but research what that lingo meant.

From Washington Times • May 18, 2023

And I went to the hospital and I just stopped and I said, "Can you ask my doctor for a CAT scan?"

From Salon • Feb. 5, 2023

“Both your MRI and CAT scan showed nothing out of the ordinary,” it says, looking at the clipboard—and you don’t argue, because you don’t want to be shoved back into the cannon.

From "Challenger Deep" by Neal Shusterman