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positron-emission tomography
noun
: tomography in which a cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances that have been administered (as by injection)
Examples of positron-emission tomography in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The potency of a fatty, sugary treat in triggering this release was highlighted by a 2023 study in which scientists used positron-emission tomography on a small sample of volunteers.
—Marta Zaraska, Scientific American, 11 Sep. 2023
In 1995 Maguire and his colleagues published the first positron-emission tomography (PET) study of the problem, scanning the brains of four people who stutter, and reported consistent decreases in neural activity in language areas.
—Lydia Denworth, Scientific American, 1 Aug. 2021
When these miserable souls go into a positron-emission tomography (PET) scanner, Wang sees the motivation regions of their brains go wild.
—Kat McGowan, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2019
In the new study, the authors used positron-emission tomography to scan immune system activity in mice that had the blood in a single cerebral artery interrupted for 45 minutes, mimicking an ischemic stroke.
—Bret Stetka, Scientific American, 2 July 2019
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Word History
First Known Use
1976, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of positron-emission tomography was
in 1976
Dictionary Entries Near positron-emission tomography
Cite this Entry
“Positron-emission tomography.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positron-emission%20tomography. Accessed 6 Nov. 2024.
Medical Definition
positron-emission tomography
noun
: tomography in which an in vivo, noninvasive, cross-sectional image of regional metabolism is obtained by a usually color-coded cathode-ray tube representation of the distribution of gamma radiation given off in the collision of electrons in cells with positrons emitted by radionuclides incorporated into metabolic substances
—abbreviation PET
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