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

Studies have found no definitive link between babies’ brain and eye development and DHA supplementation, a 2017 meta-analysis of 15 studies found, according to Cochrane, a nonprofit that supports systematic reviews of health research. —Heather Vogell, ProPublica, 21 Mar. 2024

And research backs this up: A 2020 meta-analysis of 13 studies concluded that resistance exercises can significantly improve balance for both adults and older folks. —Christa Sgobba, SELF, 18 Mar. 2024

In addition to the spiritual benefits this month brings us, one meta-analysis suggests that fasting for Ramadan also can lead to positive physical health changes. —Azmia Ricchuito, SELF, 7 Mar. 2024

Review the sources used below for this article: National Library of Medicine: National Center for Biotechnology Information: Depression and Anxiety: The effect of vitamin D supplement on negative emotions: A systematic review and meta-analysis International journal of endocrinology. —Discover Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024

One recent meta-analysis published in Hypertension found that taking a multi-strain probiotic (that contains more than 10 billion CFUs, or colony-forming units) for at least eight weeks has a positive impact on blood pressure. —Lauren Del Turco, SELF, 22 Feb. 2024

In addition, a slow gait may be a sign of premature mortality, cardiovascular disease or cancer, according to a July 2018 meta-analysis published in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN, 18 Feb. 2024

One in 3 heart patients, according to a 2023 meta-analysis of more than 100 studies, live with anxiety, depression and ongoing stress. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 13 Feb. 2024

Bovine colostrum may be particularly useful during cold and flu season, a meta-analysis published in the Journal of Functional Foods suggests, thanks to the supplement's link to fewer incidents of upper respiratory tract infection. —Nick Blackmer, Verywell Health, 13 Feb. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

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