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
The diagnostic aid is still early in its development, and data supporting its effectiveness is limited. Evan Bush, NBC News, 6 Feb. 2025 Testing company Everly Health in 2021 bought three companies: diagnostic clinician network PWNHealth, lab test provider Home Access Health and fertility startup Natalist. Erin Brodwin, Axios, 5 Feb. 2025
Noun
Biotechnology core revenue is expected to increase 6% to 7% Meanwhile, core revenue for both the life sciences and diagnostics segments is expected to be down mid-single-digit percentage points. Zev Fima, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 Founded in 2021, Lindus Health has operated 42 trials across psychiatry, diagnostics and respiratory health. Aaron Weitzman, Axios, 22 Jan. 2025 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 13 Feb. 2025.

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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