MRI

What Does MRI Mean in a Text?

The Quick Answer

MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is a technique that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the organs and tissues within the body.

More Detail...

Most MRI machines are large, tube-shaped magnets. When patients lie inside an MRI machine, the magnetic field temporarily realigns hydrogen atoms in the body. The excited hydrogen atoms emit a radio frequency signal which is measured by a receiving coil and this information is interpreted by computer to create images

MRI should not be confused with CAT (Computed Axial Tomography) scan technology. Nowadays referred to simply as CT (Computed Tomography), this method of scanning uses computer-processed combinations of many X-ray images taken from different angles to produce cross-sectional (tomographic) images (virtual 'slices') of specific areas of a scanned object, allowing the user to see inside the object without cutting. MRI is the investigative tool of choice for neurological cancers, as it is more sensitive than CT for small tumours and offers better visualization. MRI does not use any ionizing radiation, and its use is now generally favoured in preference to CT. With the cost of MRI scanners becoming more competitive, it is likely that MRI will replace CT in the future.

Image for MRI

When I write MRI, I mean this:

The image shows a typical MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scanner.

Summary of Key Points

We have summarized the key points in the table below:

MRI
Definition:	Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Type:	Abbreviation
Guessability:	4: Difficult to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

Examples of MRI in Sentences

Here is an example of MRI in a conversation:

Charlie: Hi, just to let you know that mum has to go for an MRI next week.
Jordan: Eek, that sounds bad.
Charlie: Nothing serious, they are just going to scan her shoulder to check for a trapped nerve.

An Academic Look at MRI

MRI is an initialism abbreviation. This means it is pronounced using its individual letters (i.e., Em Ar Aye). Initialisms contrast with acronyms, which are spoken like words.