Word
tomography
Phoneticsto·mog·ra·phy
US/toʊˈmoʊɡɹæˌfi/
UK/təmˈɒɡɹəfi/
Definition
n. a special way of taking X-ray pictures that shows a thin slice of the inside of a body or object. It helps doctors see details that a normal flat X-ray might miss.
n. a technique for displaying a representation of a cross-section through a human body or other solid object using X-rays or ultrasound. The process involves recording the relative intensities of radiation transmitted through the object from multiple directions.
Examples
“The doctor ordered a tomography scan to check his lungs.”
“Computerized axial tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, allows surgeons to visualize internal structures in three dimensions before operating.”
“Advanced industrial tomography is now utilized in engineering to detect microscopic structural flaws within solid metal components without having to dismantle the machinery.”
Examples
simple
“The doctor ordered a tomography scan to check his lungs.”
contextual
“Computerized axial tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, allows surgeons to visualize internal structures in three dimensions before operating.”
complex
“Advanced industrial tomography is now utilized in engineering to detect microscopic structural flaws within solid metal components without having to dismantle the machinery.”
Usage
Often used in the compound form 'computed tomography' or as the suffix '-tomography' in medical contexts.
Real-World Examples
Common in science writing
“Using computed tomography and cinematic 3D rendering, the team created a detailed digital reconstruction of the specimen.” “Using a seismic imaging method called ambient noise tomography, researchers detected approximately 6,000 km 3 of volcanic fluids buried 8 to 15 km below the surface.” Etymology
From tomo- + -graphy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/tomography