tomogram: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “tomogram” mean?
A two-dimensional image representing a slice through a three-dimensional object, created by a tomographic scanning technique.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A two-dimensional image representing a slice through a three-dimensional object, created by a tomographic scanning technique.
In medical contexts, it specifically refers to the cross-sectional image produced by computed tomography (CT) or other tomographic methods, used for diagnostic purposes. In non-medical fields like materials science or geophysics, it can refer to similar slice images of structures or earth layers.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The term is technical and used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, confined to medical imaging, radiology, engineering, and scientific research contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “tomogram” in a Sentence
The [machine] produced a tomogram of [object].A tomogram revealed [finding].Researchers analysed the tomogram for [feature].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “tomogram” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- tomogram data
- tomogram analysis
American English
- tomogram reconstruction
- tomogram quality
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in business contexts related to medical device manufacturing or imaging services.
Academic
Common in medical, physics, engineering, and geoscience research papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation. A patient would say 'CT scan' or 'scan'.
Technical
The primary context. Standard term in radiology, medical imaging, non-destructive testing, and tomography research.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “tomogram”
- Using 'tomogram' to refer to the scanning machine (which is a tomograph).
- Pronouncing it as /təˈmɒɡ.rəm/.
- Using it in general conversation instead of 'scan'.
- Misspelling as 'tomagram' or 'tomogramm'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A tomograph is the machine or device that performs tomography. A tomogram is the image or set of data produced by the tomograph.
Yes, while most common in medical imaging, tomography and tomograms are also used in materials science, archaeology, geophysics, and industrial testing to visualise internal structures of objects.
Often, but not always. A CT scan is a specific type of tomogram produced by computed tomography. Other types include PET tomograms or ultrasound tomograms. In many medical contexts, they are used synonymously.
It is a low-frequency, highly specialised technical term. Even many educated native speakers outside scientific/medical fields may not be familiar with it, preferring more common terms like 'scan' or 'CT image'.
A two-dimensional image representing a slice through a three-dimensional object, created by a tomographic scanning technique.
Tomogram is usually technical/scientific in register.
Tomogram: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtɒm.ə.ɡræm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊ.mə.ɡræm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'TOMO' (from Greek 'tomos' meaning slice or section) + 'GRAM' (something written or recorded). A tomogram is a recorded slice.
Conceptual Metaphor
A WINDOW INTO A LAYER; A MAP OF A SLICE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'tomogram' most appropriately used?