D defs.my
Entry 4 senses Webster, 1913

Diagnosis

/dīˌ-əg-nōs'-əs/ · Di·ag·no·sis · IPA /daɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/
01 n. The art or act of recognizing the presence of disease from its signs or symptoms, and deciding as to its character; also, the decision arri…
pl. Diagnoses ((#))
  1. 1.
    The art or act of recognizing the presence of disease from its signs or symptoms, and deciding as to its character; also, the decision arrived at.(Med.)
  2. 2.
    Hence, the act or process of identifying the nature or cause of some phenomenon, especially the abnormal behavior of an animal or artifactual device; as, diagnosis of a vibration in an automobile; diagnosis of the failure of a sales campaign; diagnosis of a computer malfunction.
  3. 3.
    Scientific determination of any kind; the concise description of characterization of a species.
  4. 4.
    Critical perception or scrutiny; judgment based on such scrutiny; esp., perception of, or judgment concerning, motives and character.
    “The quick eye for effects, the clear diagnosis of men's minds, and the love of epigram.” — Compton Reade.
    “My diagnosis of his character proved correct.” — J. Payn.
Phrases & compounds
Differential diagnosis — the determination of the distinguishing characteristics as between two similar diseases or conditions.