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computerized tomography

computerized tomography

1 4.1
A medical scan using X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the inside of the body
  • noun
  • /ˌkəmˈpjuːtəˌraɪzd tɒˈmɒɡrəfi/
  • US
translation icon : tomografía computarizada
  • A haematological referral was made, and a computerized tomography (CT) scan was obtained.
  • computerized tomography scan
  • computerized tomography (CT)

Examples

  • Plain radiography and computerized tomography scan combined with contrast myelography.

    Academic text (2007)
  • The company, Zygote Media Group of Lindon, Utah, builds and sells detailed 3-D models of the human body that are based on data from magnetic resonance imaging and computerized tomography.

    Academic text (2007)
  • Commercial applications range from satellite communications to image processing used in computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.

    Academic text (2004)
  • Tumor samples were taken with the aid of computerized tomography (CT) or ultrasound guidance.

    Blog text (14)
  • A computerized tomography (CT) scan can also be used to image the fracture and determine the degree of displacement.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Spinal metastases were diagnosed by computerized tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging.

    Academic text (2006)
  • The metastatic work-up also includes imaging the chest with a computerized tomography scan to identify any pulmonary nodules.

    Academic text (2006)
  • Spiral computerized tomography and aortography revealed a false aortic aneurysm at the cannulation site.

    Academic text (2007)
  • On the horizon is magnetic imaging technology that will combine the speed of X-ray-based computerized tomography, or CT, with the ability of MRI systems to image soft tissues.

    Blog text (11)
  • The doctor ordered a computerized tomography scan to get a detailed view of my injuries after the accident.

Synonyms

CAT
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
189 4.6

A scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed pictures of the inside of the body

is the same method but described without the single axis detail
CT
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
52 3.7

A medical scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the inside of the body

is the full phrase rather than the short initialism
CT scan
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
26 3.2

A medical test using X-rays and a computer to make detailed images of the inside of the body

is the general imaging technique rather than only a diagnostic procedure
tomography
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
3 6.7

A way of making detailed pictures of the inside of the body

focuses specifically on X-ray scans processed by a computer to make slices
computed tomography
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A medical scan using X-rays and a computer to make pictures of the body's inside

is the same in meaning but uses an alternative term form
computed axial tomography
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
4.3

A medical scan that uses X-rays and a computer to make thin pictures of the inside of the body

omits the axial detail and names the general cross-sectional imaging method
computerized axial tomography
vscomputerized tomography
  • Specialized
4.8

A scan that uses X rays and a computer to make thin pictures of the inside of the body

drops the axial specification and uses the broader technique name instead

How Detailed

MRI
  • Specialized
119 4.0
computerized tomography
  • US
1 4.1
to x-ray
30 3.8
ultrasound
  • Specialized
109 4.1

Surface Forms

Morphology

computerize + tomography

The term is directly compositional: 'computerized' means processed or aided by computers and 'tomography' means cross-sectional imaging, so a learner who knows both parts can infer it denotes tomography produced/processed by computers (i.e. a CT scan). This construction has clear cross-linguistic parallels (e.g. Spanish 'tomografía computarizada'), which reinforces its predictability for learners.

Etymology

Computerized tomography combines two clear ideas: computerized means a computer joins many X-ray pictures, and tomography comes from a word for 'slice'; imagine the body shown as many thin 'slices' like a loaf of bread. So the name helps you remember it makes detailed pictures of the inside of the body by building those 'slices' with a computer.