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 one moment of therapeutic solidarity, Casiano smiles recounting the articulate, righteous testimony of co-plaintiff Austin Dennard, an OB-GYN herself who as a patient left the state to terminate her pregnancy following a risk-laden diagnosis. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 25 Oct. 2024 In the past, diagnosis of pre-diabetes required a battery of tests. Bryant Stamford, The Courier-Journal, 24 Oct. 2024 She’s had things happen to her, including this diagnosis that has changed her. Dessi Gomez, Deadline, 24 Oct. 2024 When heartburn becomes frequent or chronic, medications and lifestyle changes are not helping, or there is a diagnosis of GERD or another esophageal condition, surgery might be considered. Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diagnosis 

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 31 Oct. 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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