diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
plural diagnoses ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
1
a
: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
b
: the decision reached by diagnosis
the doctor's diagnosis
2
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
3
biology : a concise technical description of a taxon

Examples of diagnosis in a Sentence

The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult. She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. The diagnosis was a mild concussion. His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia. The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.
Recent Examples on the Web In an Instagram post on March 13, 2024, the 43-year-old shared her unexpected diagnosis, while raising awareness for the risks of breast cancer, including having children after 30. Kristina Behr, Parents, 15 Mar. 2024 But the script’s equivocations about a diagnosis (the side effect of an experimental drug? Todd Gilchrist, Variety, 15 Mar. 2024 Williams’ team announced the diagnosis two days before the documentary aired. Ethan Millman, Rolling Stone, 14 Mar. 2024 After sharing her diagnosis, The Newsroom actress received tons of support and well wishes from fans and fellow stars, including Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Taika Waititi, Jenna Dewan, Leslie Mann, Jo Koy and more. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 14 Mar. 2024 Image Hard not to make the obvious diagnosis: Artists emerging today are intelligent but terrified. Martha Schwendener, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 Because of that score, Munn had additional evaluations, leading to her diagnosis, according to her post. Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 13 Mar. 2024 Since revealing her multiple sclerosis diagnosis (MS) in 2021, Christina Applegate has been open about the reality of living with the condition, regularly sharing how hard her symptoms have been on her body and mental health. Jenna Ryu, SELF, 13 Mar. 2024 Imaging techniques, including both a CT scan and an MRI, revealed multiple cysts within his brain that were confirmed to be the larvae of tapeworms, leading to the neurocysticercosis diagnosis, according to the researchers. Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 12 Mar. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'diagnosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of diagnosis was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near diagnosis

Cite this Entry

“Diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

diagnosis

noun
di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
1
a
: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
b
: the decision reached by diagnosis
2
a
: a careful study of something especially to determine its nature or importance
b
: the conclusion reached after a study or examination

Medical Definition

diagnosis

noun
di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on diagnosis

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