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

Maltz served as the lead author on a meta-analysis of how soil inoculation with different species of mycorrhizal fungi can affect degraded ecosystems. —Lauren Oster, Smithsonian Magazine, 12 May 2025

People who focus on on internal aspirations like health and relationships are typically happier than those who pursue fame, wealth or beauty, according to a 2022 meta-analysis from researchers at Australian Catholic University. —Megan Sauer, CNBC, 12 May 2025

This 2023 meta-analysis of randomized trials supports this, though cautions that more dose-dependent research is needed. —Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025

Gallup’s meta-analysis shows 70% of the variance in team engagement comes down to the manager. —Vibhas Ratanjee, Forbes.com, 9 May 2025

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