Wordnet 3.0
NOUN (1)
1.
a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g., headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs;
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Diagnosis \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.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[PJC]
3. Scientific determination of any kind; the concise
description of characterization of a species.
[1913 Webster]
4. Critical perception or scrutiny; judgment based on such
scrutiny; esp., perception of, or judgment concerning,
motives and character.
[1913 Webster]
The quick eye for effects, the clear diagnosis of
men's minds, and the love of epigram. --Compton
Reade.
[1913 Webster]
My diagnosis of his character proved correct. --J.
Payn.
[1913 Webster]
Differential diagnosis (Med.), the determination of the
distinguishing characteristics as between two similar
diseases or conditions.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
differential diagnosis
n 1: a systematic method of diagnosing a disorder (e.g.,
headache) that lacks unique symptoms or signs