Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

diagnosis

Translate diagnosis | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of diagnosis

noun (plural diagnoses /-siːz/)

[mass noun]
  • 1the identification of the nature of an illness or other problem by examination of the symptoms:early diagnosis and treatment are essential [count noun]:a diagnosis of Crohn’s disease was made
  • 2the distinctive characterization in precise terms of a genus, species, or phenomenon.

Origin:

late 17th century: modern Latin, from Greek, from diagignōskein 'distinguish, discern', from dia 'apart' + gignōskein 'recognize, know'

Spelling rule

Make the plural of diagnosis by changing the -is ending to -es: (diagnoses).

diagnosis in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of diagnosis in the US English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …