noun

tomography

tuh-MOG-ruh-fee

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Tomography (noun) means a technique for producing images of sections through an object. Example: “Tomography lets doctors see cross-sections of the body without surgery.”

noun

A technique for producing images of sections through an object.

"Tomography lets doctors see cross-sections of the body without surgery."

"The hospital's new scanner uses tomography to spot tumours early."

"Engineers rely on tomography to check the inside of aircraft parts for faults."

How to use tomography

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTomography is a way of building up images of slices through something, rather like cutting a loaf to see what's inside.

When to use it

It is a technical or medical term, most often met as part of the phrase 'computed tomography'.

Memory tip

Don't mix it up with topography, which is about mapping the surface of land, not imaging the inside of objects.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

topography →

Common pairings

computed tomography a tomography scan tomography imaging use tomography to

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ lets doctors see cross-sections of the body without surgery.

Etymology

Tomography is built from 'tomo-', relating to cutting or sections, joined to the suffix '-graphy', meaning a process of recording or imaging.

Origin: English

Rhymes for tomography

geography biography demography topography lithography iconography photography pornography calligraphy bibliography oceanography choreography

See all rhymes for tomography →

Frequently asked questions

What is tomography?

Tomography is an imaging technique that produces pictures of slices or sections through an object, rather than the whole thing at once.

What is the difference between tomography and a CT scan?

A CT, or computed tomography, scan is one specific type of tomography; tomography itself is the broader technique.

What is tomography used for?

It is used in medicine and other fields to see internal sections of the body or of objects without cutting them open.

What is the meaning of tomography?

"tomography" (noun) means a technique for producing images of sections through an object.