diagnosis

noun

di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
plural diagnoses ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
-əg-
1
a
: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
b
: the decision reached by diagnosis
the doctor's diagnosis
2
a
: investigation or analysis of the cause or nature of a condition, situation, or problem
diagnosis of engine trouble
b
: a statement or conclusion from such an analysis
3
biology : a concise technical description of a taxon

Examples of diagnosis in a Sentence

The unusual combination of symptoms made accurate diagnosis difficult. She is an expert in the diagnosis and treatment of eye diseases. The diagnosis was a mild concussion. His doctor made an initial diagnosis of pneumonia. The committee published its diagnosis of the problems affecting urban schools.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Between the lines: Boutros initially filed his suit in 2022 but voluntarily withdrew it in 2023 to pursue treatment following a cancer diagnosis. Sam Allard, Axios, 20 Nov. 2024 The Princess of Wales, 42, has been gradually returning to royal duties after taking time to focus on her health following a cancer diagnosis earlier this year. Erin Hill, People.com, 19 Nov. 2024 For his part, Jon Stewart, who was broadcasting live as the results came in during The Daily Show’s Election Night special, would like to remind us that all of these premature attempts at diagnosis are a fool’s errand. Hershal Pandya, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024 Mirror your targets’ customer journey with specific ad groups focused on symptoms, diagnoses, treatments, finding doctors, appointment booking, etc. Craft compelling text ads for each ad group that speak to search intent while highlighting your medical credentials and strengths. Bahram Moshrefnoory, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diagnosis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek diagnōsis, from diagignōskein to distinguish, from dia- + gignōskein to know — more at know

First Known Use

1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of diagnosis was in 1634

Dictionary Entries Near diagnosis

Cite this Entry

“Diagnosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnosis. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

diagnosis

noun
di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˈnō-ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
1
a
: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
b
: the decision reached by diagnosis
2
a
: a careful study of something especially to determine its nature or importance
b
: the conclusion reached after a study or examination

Medical Definition

diagnosis

noun
di·​ag·​no·​sis ˌdī-ig-ˈnō-səs, -əg- How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
plural diagnoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce diagnosis (audio)
1
a
: the art or act of identifying a disease from its signs and symptoms
b
: the decision reached by diagnosis
a diagnosis of pneumonia
2
: a concise technical description of a taxon

More from Merriam-Webster on diagnosis

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