Diagnosis

Definition

Diagnosis refers to the process of identifying a disease, condition, or problem by analyzing symptoms, signs, and test results. It is also the conclusion or determination reached after such an evaluation.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌdaɪəɡˈnoʊsɪs/
• Respelling: dy-uh-NO-sis

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/
• Respelling: dy-uh-NOH-sis

The pronunciation of "diagnosis" differs slightly between American and British English, with a variation in the final vowel sound.

Etymology

The word "diagnosis" originates from the Greek word "diagnosis," meaning "a distinguishing or discerning," from "diagignōskein," meaning "to distinguish" or "to discern." The term has been used in medical and scientific contexts since the mid-17th century to refer to the identification of diseases or conditions.

Derivatives

• Diagnose (verb)
• Diagnostic (adjective)
• Diagnostician (noun)
• Diagnosable (adjective)
• Misdiagnosis (noun)

Synonyms

• Assessment
• Evaluation
• Examination

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "diagnosis" is commonly used in medical contexts to describe the process of identifying a patient's disease or condition based on their symptoms, medical history, and test results. It is also used more broadly in other fields, such as psychology, engineering, and business, to refer to the identification of problems or issues through analysis and evaluation.

Related Terms

• Prognosis: The likely course or outcome of a disease or situation.
• Treatment: The medical care given to a patient for an illness or injury.
• Symptom: A physical or mental feature indicating a condition or disease.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The identification of a disease or condition: Refers to the process of determining the nature of an illness based on symptoms and test results.
  • Example: "The doctor made a diagnosis of pneumonia after reviewing the X-rays."
• A conclusion reached after analysis: Refers to the final determination made after assessing information and conducting tests.
  • Example: "The mechanic's diagnosis revealed a problem with the car's engine."