The word "diagnosis" refers to the process of identifying a disease or condition by examining the symptoms and signs presented by a patient. It is a crucial step in healthcare, allowing healthcare professionals to determine the nature of an illness and decide on appropriate treatments.
The word "diagnosis" comes from the Greek "diagnōsis," where "dia-" means "through" or "across," and "gnōsis" means "knowledge." It thus implies a thorough understanding or knowledge of a condition based on the evaluation of symptoms.