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 meta-analysis, published Wednesday in the Journal of the American Heart Association, reviewed 155 studies spanning decades and found that viral infections can raise the risk of heart disease both immediately after an infection and over the long term. —Asuka Koda, CNN Money, 29 Oct. 2025

The meta-analysis revealed that playing board games appeared to improve mental function, as measured by cognitive assessment tests that evaluate memory, attention, concentration and other skills. —The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Oct. 2025

One meta-analysis of 19 studies published in 2021 found that, compared with a placebo, people taking collagen supplements had better skin hydration, elasticity and improvements in wrinkles. —Maria Godoy, NPR, 20 Oct. 2025

In fact, a large meta-analysis suggests that honey may even improve glycemic control. —Julia Ries Wexler, Health, 20 Oct. 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