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

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

“It’s like a CAT scan machine,” said Scott T. Johnson, TSA’s federal security director at Dulles.

From Washington Post • Nov. 1, 2022

I raised hell and bargained the three weeks down to one for the CAT scan, two to see the doctor.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini