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

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

The researchers point out that as in many meta-analyses, while the link between these foods and tinnitus risk has been found, it can not be assumed that there is a causal relationship. —Michael Franco, New Atlas, 19 Mar. 2025

In a recent meta-analysis of nine studies, apple cider vinegar consumption was associated with significant reductions in overall levels of cholesterol.4 Foods That Lower Cholesterol Weight Loss Apple cider vinegar may help promote weight loss. —Yvelette Stines, Verywell Health, 18 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