Search Result for "differential diagnosis":
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