meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌme-tə-ə-ˈna-lə-səs How to pronounce meta-analysis (audio)
: 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
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.
The authors conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 11 studies on cold-water immersion. Maggie O'Neill, Health, 8 Feb. 2025 One meta-analysis synthesizing the effects of seed oils on 11 inflammatory markers largely showed no effects – with the exception of one inflammatory signal, which was significantly elevated in people with the highest omega-6 intakes. Mary J. Scourboutakos, The Conversation, 7 Feb. 2025 Type 2 diabetes medications known as SGLT2 inhibitors, a category that includes Jardiance (empagliflozin), are more effective in reducing the risk for heart attack and stroke in older adults compared with younger ones, according to a new meta-analysis that included over 600 studies. Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 3 Feb. 2025 To answer that question, researchers from the University of South Australia (UniSA) undertook the most comprehensive review and meta-analysis yet undertaken on the topic. New Atlas, 2 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for meta-analysis 

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meta-analysis was in 1976

Dictionary Entries Near meta-analysis

Cite this Entry

“Meta-analysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meta-analysis. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.

Medical Definition

meta-analysis

noun
meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌmet-ə-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs How to pronounce meta-analysis (audio)
: 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 individualsScientific American Medicine Bulletin
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