Di`ag*no"sis (?), n.; pl.
Diagnoses (#). [NL., fr. Gr. ?, fr. ? to
distinguish; dia` through, asunder + ? to know. See
Know.] 1. (Med.) 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.
2. Scientific determination of any kind; the
concise description of characterization of a species.
3. 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.
Differential diagnosis (Med.), the
determination of the distinguishing characteristics as between two
similar diseases or conditions.