Meaning & use
CAT scan
Last updated
UK/ˈkæt skæn/
US/ˈkæt skæn/
Meaning
nouncountablemedical
A medical test that uses X-rays and a computer to build detailed cross-section pictures of the inside of the body.
Grammar: Countable: have a CAT scan, two CAT scans.
Patterns
- have a CAT scan
- a CAT scan of something
The doctor ordered a CAT scan of his chest.
The CAT scan showed a small tumor.
She had a CAT scan after the accident.
Word forms
| plural | CAT scans |
|---|
Common combinations
- have a CAT scan
- He had a CAT scan to check for injuries.
- order a CAT scan
- The doctor ordered a CAT scan.
- CAT scan results
- The CAT scan results came back normal.
- CAT scan of the brain
- A CAT scan of the brain showed no bleeding.
Synonyms and how they differ
- CT scan
- CT scan is the current and more common name for exactly the same procedure.
- X-ray
- An X-ray gives a flat single image, while a CAT scan combines many images into slices.
- MRI
- An MRI uses magnets and radio waves, not X-rays.
Word family
- scan verb
- to examine with a scanning machine
- scanner noun
- the machine used
- tomography noun
- imaging in slices
Commonly confused: CAT scan or MRI?
CAT scan vs MRI
MRI scans use magnetism, while CAT scans use X-rays.
Practice
What does a CAT scan do?
Choose one answer.
A CAT scan uses X-rays and a computer to create slices. Ultrasound uses sound waves, and the other options are different tests.
Make it your own
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