CT Scan: Definition, Uses, and Examples

Meaning 1：computerized tomography scan (CT scan)

CT scan 🔊

/ˌsiːˈtiː skæn/

A medical test that uses X-rays and a computer to take detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

CT scan machine with patient lying on bed and internal images on screen

computerized tomography scan 🔊

➕

/kəmˈpjuːtəraɪzd təˈmɒɡrəfi skæn/

A medical imaging technique that uses X-rays and computer processing to create cross-sectional images of the body.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Combines 'tomography' (Greek: slice + write) and 'scan' (Latin: climb).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'C' and 'T' as 'Cut Through' – the scan cuts through the body to show slices.

📖 Example

After his annual health check, the doctor suggested a CT scan to get a clearer picture of his lungs. 🔊 After his annual health check, the doctor suggested a CT scan to get a clearer picture of his lungs.

🔗 Collocations

undergo a CT scan – to have a CT scan performed

CT scan results – the images and data from the scan

CT scan machine – the device used for scanning

🔄 Synonyms

CAT scan (n.) – an older term for a CT scan

computed tomography (n.) – the full technical name

CT imaging (n.) – another term for CT scan

🌱 Derivatives

CT scanner (n.) – the machine that performs CT scans

CT scanning (n.) – the process of performing a CT scan

CT image (n.) – the picture produced by the scan

📖 Cultural Story

Invented in the 1970s by Godfrey Hounsfield and Allan Cormack, revolutionizing medical diagnosis. They won the Nobel Prize.