differential diagnosis

Definition of differential diagnosis

: the distinguishing of a disease or condition from others presenting with similar signs and symptoms

Examples of differential diagnosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Medically speaking, even in a pandemic, ball pain demands attention because of the vast differential diagnosis that includes threats to life or limb. — Robert Lurvey, Wired, "That Weird Pain in Your Nuts and the Limits of Telemedicine," 8 Apr. 2020 The differential diagnosis varies from worrisome possibilities such as a UTI, to diabetes or even a spinal cord injury or infection. — Daniel R. Taylor, Philly.com, "Medical Mystery: Kids who can't stop going," 1 June 2018

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

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Dictionary Entries near differential diagnosis

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Cite this Entry

“Differential diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/differential%20diagnosis. Accessed 24 Nov. 2020.

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