diagnostic

1 of 2

adjective

di·​ag·​nos·​tic ˌdī-ig-ˈnä-stik How to pronounce diagnostic (audio)
-əg-
variants or less commonly diagnostical
1
a
: of, relating to, or used in diagnosis
a diagnostic tool
b
: using the methods of or yielding a diagnosis
diagnostic tests
2
: serving to distinguish or identify
a diagnostic feature
diagnostically adverb

diagnostic

2 of 2

noun

1
: the art or practice of diagnosis
often used in plural
2
: a distinguishing mark
diagnostician noun

Examples of diagnostic in a Sentence

Adjective Ultrasound is now widely used as a diagnostic tool. One important diagnostic feature of this condition is a mild rash. Noun the thesis that moral decline is the infallible diagnostic of a decadent society
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.
Adjective
For example, people often dodge screenings and diagnostic tests to avoid the frightening possibility of discovering cancer. Discover Magazine, 8 Nov. 2024 Oracle: Streamlined Aircraft Maintenance Oracle has integrated Llama into its maintenance systems to synthesize and analyze aircraft maintenance documents, improving diagnostic accuracy and speeding up repair processes. Patrick Moorhead, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024
Noun
Start by understanding differences between health care provision (diagnostics, procedures, therapies or medicines) and health financing and administration. Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 3 Nov. 2024 Prior Authorizations Prior authorization is a process when physicians seek approval from insurance companies for specific medications, diagnostics, and procedures. Adaira Landry, Forbes, 1 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for diagnostic 

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Noun

1625, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of diagnostic was in 1625

Dictionary Entries Near diagnostic

Cite this Entry

“Diagnostic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/diagnostic. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

diagnostic

adjective
di·​ag·​nos·​tic
ˌdī-ig-ˈnäs-tik
: of, relating to, or used in diagnosis
a diagnostic test for heart disease

Medical Definition

diagnostic

1 of 2 adjective
di·​ag·​nos·​tic -ˈnäs-tik How to pronounce diagnostic (audio)
variants also diagnostical
1
: of, relating to, or used in diagnosis
2
: using the methods of or yielding a diagnosis
a diagnostic service
diagnostic properties
diagnostically adverb

diagnostic

2 of 2 noun
: the art or practice of diagnosis
often used in plural

More from Merriam-Webster on diagnostic

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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