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)

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

CAT scan

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

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 ● May 11, 2025

Francis, who had part of one lung removed as a young man, underwent a CAT scan, Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni said.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 25, 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

“We’ll just wait and see,” one of the surgeons says, looking at the CAT scan of my head.

From "If I Stay" by Gayle Forman

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