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

Significant reductions in resting blood pressure also occur after performing a variety of different forms of exercise, with running and wall squats being especially helpful, according to a 2023 meta-analysis published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine. —Melanie Radzicki McManus, CNN Money, 1 Apr. 2025

Plus, the studies included in the meta-analysis had some design flaws.7 Other studies have found potential benefits of low-carbohydrate diets on mood and anxiety disorders. —Elizabeth Barnes, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025

According to a 2022 meta-analysis, excessive drinking has been associated with a loss of estrogen and testosterone, hormones that play a pivotal role in stimulating cells essential to bone formation and repair. —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Eat Earlier in the Day One meta-analysis examined how the timing of meals during the day affected daytime hunger and other factors involved in weight loss. —Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 21 Mar. 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