diagnostic

adjective

di·ag·nos·tic | \ ˌdī-ig-ˈnä-stik

, -əg-\

variants: or less commonly diagnostical \ ˌdī-ig-ˈnä-sti-kəl

, -əg- \

Definition of diagnostic

(Entry 1 of 2)

1a : of, relating to, or used in diagnosis a diagnostic tool

b : using the methods of or yielding a diagnosis diagnostic tests

2 : serving to distinguish or identify a diagnostic feature

diagnostic

noun

Definition of diagnostic (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : the art or practice of diagnosis —often used in plural

2 : a distinguishing mark

Other Words from diagnostic Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about diagnostic

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from diagnostic

Adjective

diagnostically \ ˌdī-ig-ˈnä-sti-k(ə-)lē

, -əg- \ adverb

Noun

diagnostician \ ˌdī-ig-(ˌ)nä-ˈsti-shən

, -əg- \ noun

Examples of diagnostic in a Sentence

Adjective

Ultrasound is now widely used as a diagnostic tool. One important diagnostic feature of this condition is a mild rash.

Noun

the thesis that moral decline is the infallible diagnostic of a decadent society

Recent Examples on the Web: Adjective

Exact Sciences makes Cologuard, a colorectal cancer diagnostic test that can be used at home to screen for DNA biomarkers in stool. — Scott Bauer, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "WEDC determines Exact Sciences doesn’t have to repay job creation tax credits," 18 June 2019 Even with a less expensive and easier-to-use diagnostic test, TB is still difficult to treat. — Megan Rodriguez, ExpressNews.com, "Texas Biomed develops fast, cheap TB test for developing countries," 25 June 2019 Equipped with graduate degrees and advanced clinical training, NPs are qualified to assess patients, order and interpret diagnostic tests, develop treatment plans, and prescribe medications in all 50 states. — Tommy Thompson, Time, "One Possible Solution to the Opioid Crisis in the U.S. Has Been Inexplicably Ignored," 24 June 2019 The diagnostic piece involves passing a catheter into the heart to identify blockages. — Jesse Leavenworth, courant.com, "East of the Connecticut River leaders blast state’s denial of expanded cardiac care at Manchester Memorial Hospital," 17 June 2019 Furthermore, no diagnostic artifacts reflecting the vessel's rig, trade, nationality, or crew were identified. — Marcy De Luna, Houston Chronicle, "NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer discovers unexpected shipwreck in Gulf of Mexico," 5 June 2019 In striking down the patents, the Supreme Court allowed other diagnostic companies to offer such tests without fear of infringement lawsuits. — Kelly Servick, Science | AAAS, "Controversial U.S. bill would lift Supreme Court ban on patenting human genes," 4 June 2019 In some cities, residents even launched targeted attacks on Ebola diagnostic and treatment facilities, recently burning one MSF center largely to the ground, and prompting the temporary evacuation of various response teams. — Nichole Sobecki, National Geographic, "The world's second-biggest Ebola outbreak is still raging. Here's why.," 24 May 2019 At that point, the vice president or the Cabinet or Congress can call for a full mental health test and diagnostic assessment. — The New York Review of Books, "Lisa Appignanesi," 9 May 2019

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

Physician patients received unnecessary pre-surgical diagnostic tests nearly 20% of the time, less than non-physicians but still much too often. — Michael Hiltzik, latimes.com, "Doctors aren’t much better at picking the best medical treatments than laypersons," 8 July 2019 The division, which includes the Genentech subsidiary, generates around three-quarters of Roche’s total revenue, with the rest coming from its diagnostics business. — Denise Roland, WSJ, "Roche Taps Genentech Chief to Lead Pharmaceuticals Division," 10 Dec. 2018 Today’s mechanics must be proficient with computer diagnostics and use of tools. — Ron Hurtibise, sun-sentinel.com, "Auto mechanic shortage prompts hiring call from AutoNation," 24 June 2019 Now imagine turning all current static tests into dynamic tests with capabilities for stress testing by adding a fourth dimension to diagnostics—time. — WSJ, "Is There a Limit to the Human Lifespan?," 24 June 2018 The new fund will make between 15 and 20 investments in companies developing new drugs, medical devices, diagnostics and tools, according to Bain Capital Life Sciences’ managing directors, Adam Koppel and Jeffrey Schwartz. — BostonGlobe.com, "Bain Capital raises $900 million for life sciences fund," 13 June 2019 Ramona High School automotive student Jesus Chavira, a junior, agreed that having a modern car in the auto shop will help the students learn about diagnostics, electrical and sensor systems. — Julie Gallant, Ramona Sentinel, "Ford donates car to Ramona High and hosts student tour," 5 June 2019 For both clinical diagnostics and global health managements, the ICD is widely considered a definitive diagnostic manual. — Brittany Shoot, Fortune, "Are Video Games An Addiction? The World Health Organization Thinks So," 18 June 2018 After interviewing the owner, taking the car for a test drive, and running some basic diagnostics, the problem turns out to be a misreporting mass airflow sensor caused by nothing more than a loose wire. — Roy Berendsohn, Popular Mechanics, "How to Become a Skilled Tradesperson," 13 Mar. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'diagnostic.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.