diagnostic
Diagnostic (adj) means relating to, or used in, diagnosis. Example: “The clinic invested in new diagnostic equipment for scanning patients.”
How to Use Diagnostic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething used to figure out what is wrong — a test, tool, or piece of equipment.
Word Forms
more diagnostic comparative, diagnostics plural, most diagnostic superlative
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The clinic invested in new _____ equipment for scanning patients.
Etymology
From Greek diagnostikos, related to diagignoskein ("to distinguish, diagnose").
Synonyms
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Rhymes for diagnostic
See all rhymes for diagnostic →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “diagnostic” mean?
The word “diagnostic” means relating to, or used in, diagnosis. In plain terms, something used to figure out what is wrong — a test, tool, or piece of equipment.
How do you pronounce “diagnostic”?
“Diagnostic” is pronounced deye-uhg-NOS-tihk (/ˌdaɪ.əɡˈnɑ.stɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “diagnostic” in a sentence?
Here is “diagnostic” used in a sentence: “The clinic invested in new diagnostic equipment for scanning patients.”
What part of speech is “diagnostic”?
Depending on how it is used, “diagnostic” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “diagnostic” come from?
The word “diagnostic” comes from Greek. From Greek diagnostikos, related to diagignoskein ("to distinguish, diagnose").
Is “diagnostic” a common word?
“Diagnostic” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “diagnostic” have?
“Diagnostic” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to, or used in, diagnosis.
What is the difference between diagnostic and diagnosis?
Diagnosis is the noun for the identification of a problem or condition, while diagnostic is the adjective describing something related to or used in diagnosis, such as a diagnostic test. Diagnostic can also be a noun meaning the test or procedure itself.
What is a diagnostic test in education?
In education, a diagnostic test is designed to assess someone's existing knowledge or skill, typically before instruction begins, so that teaching can be targeted to their current level. This differs from a summative test, which measures learning after instruction.
Is diagnostic only used in medicine?
No, diagnostic is used across medicine, mechanics, computing, and education to describe tools or tests that identify the cause of a problem, such as a car's diagnostic system or a diagnostic assessment in a classroom.