diagnosis

di·ag·no·sis

noun \ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg-\

plural di·ag·no·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of DIAGNOSIS

1

a : the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms

b : the decision reached by diagnosis

2

: a concise technical description of a taxon

3

a : investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem <diagnosis of engine trouble>

b : a statement or conclusion from such an analysis

Examples of DIAGNOSIS

1. The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult.
2. She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases.
3. The diagnosis was a mild concussion.
4. His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia.
5. The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.

Origin of DIAGNOSIS

New Latin, from Greek diagnōsis, from diagignōskein to distinguish, from dia- + gignōskein to know — more at know

First Known Use: 1655

Related to DIAGNOSIS

Synonyms

award, call, conclusion, deliverance, determination, decision, judgment (or judgement), opinion, resolution, verdict

Related Words

behest, charge, commandment, decree, dictate, directive, edict, instruction, mandate, order, word; last word, say-so; adjudication, disposition, doom, finding, ruling, sentence; choice, option, selection; consensus; belief, conviction, eye, feeling, mind, notion, persuasion, sentiment, view

Near Antonyms

deadlock, draw, halt, stalemate, standoff, tie

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with DIAGNOSIS

brucellosis, cyanosis, dermatosis, halitosis, heterosis, keratosis, psittacosis, scoliosis, silicosis, symbiosis

di·ag·no·sis

noun \ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg-\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; di·ag·no·ses \-ˌsēz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of DIAGNOSIS

1

a : the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms b : the decision reached by diagnosis <a diagnosis of pneumonia>

2

: a concise technical description of a taxon

diagnosis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Identification of a disease or disorder. Diagnosis requires a medical history (including family history), a physical examination, and usually tests and diagnostic procedures (e.g., blood analysis, diagnostic imaging). A list of possible causes—the differential diagnosis—is developed and then narrowed down by further tests that eliminate or support specific possibilities.