computed tomography

noun

: radiography in which a three-dimensional image of a body structure is constructed by computer from a series of plane cross-sectional images made along an axis

called also computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography

Examples of computed tomography in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The area still has four passenger screening lanes, but each one now comes equipped with a state-of-the-art 3D computed tomography (CT) explosive detection scanner. — Vinod Sreeharsha, Miami Herald, 26 Nov. 2025 The researchers studied a broad range of species through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scans of dead or anesthetized primates. — Will Sullivan, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Aug. 2022 Many of his Black female patients had chest x-rays, computed tomography scans and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that seemed to include shadows or squiggly lines known as artifacts. — Rod McCullom, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024 One of the biggest concerns is that someone with an incidental finding may then have follow-up computed tomography scans, as well as ionizing radiation and biopsy complications, searching for something that never would have caused symptoms. — Joshua P. Cohen, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for computed tomography

Word History

First Known Use

1974, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of computed tomography was in 1974

Rhymes for computed tomography

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Browse Nearby Words

compute
computed tomography
computer
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Cite this Entry

“Computed tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/computed%20tomography. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

computed tomography

noun
: the process by which a CAT scan is produced

called also computerized tomography

Medical Definition

computed tomography

noun
: a method of producing a three-dimensional image of an internal body structure by computerized combination of two-dimensional cross-sectional X-ray images
—abbreviation CT

called also computed axial tomography, computerized axial tomography, computerized tomography

see ct colonography, ct scan
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