meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌme-tə-ə-ˈna-lə-səs 

: a quantitative statistical analysis of several separate but similar experiments or studies in order to test the pooled data for statistical significance

Examples of meta-analysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, a new meta-analysis by researchers working with Cochrane says that – at least in terms of weight loss – IF is no better than following standard dietary advice. —New Atlas, 1 Mar. 2026

Two large meta-analyses have found that people exposed to glyphosate have a higher risk of cancer. —Michal Ruprecht, CNN Money, 24 Feb. 2026

As some conservatives castigated the measure on social media last week, Hinrichsen replied to one X post with a link to an international meta-analysis published by researchers from four countries. —Seth Klamann, Denver Post, 17 Feb. 2026

Another meta-analysis showed that people who used topical minoxidil for several months grew significantly more new hairs than people who didn’t. —Rebecca Strong, USA Today, 16 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for meta-analysis

• haemodialysis
• hemodialysis
• microanalysis
• psychoanalysis
• analysis
• dialysis
• paralysis
• cryptanalysis
• urinalysis
• electrodialysis

Medical Definition

meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌmet-ə-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs 

: quantitative statistical analysis that is applied to separate but similar experiments of different and usually independent researchers and that involves pooling the data and using the pooled data to test the effectiveness of the results

the report … on low cholesterol presented a comprehensive meta-analysis of 32 randomized studies involving 42,000 individuals

—Scientific American Medicine Bulletin