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

The definitive study of feedback, Avraham Kluger and Angelo DeNisi’s meta-analysis of 23,663 observations, found that over a third of feedback interventions decreased performance. — Zaharia-Gabriel Sidere, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026

The same meta-analysis found that some associations varied by age and by whether passive use happened in general social media feeds or inside smaller online groups. — Ashley Lynch, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

The meta-analysis found that some associations varied depending on whether passive social media use occurred in general settings or online groups. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026

For example, a 2015 systematic review and meta-analysis found that pistachios beat out other nuts for lowering both systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number) blood pressure. — Sarah Garone, HEALTH, 15 Oct. 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