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

See Examples For:

CAT scan

A hospital stay, CAT scan and MRI scan followed and Lowri was told to come in for the results.

From BBC ● Jun. 30, 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

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 ● Mar. 6, 2024

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

From Washington Times ● Nov. 28, 2023

A growth on her adrenal gland had turned up on a Bellevue CAT scan, prompting a visit to an endocrinologist.

From "Class Matters" by The New York Times