diagnostic

UK: ˌdaɪəɡˈnɒstɪk | US: ˌdaɪəɡˈnɑːstɪk

Definition
  1. adj. relating to the identification of a disease or condition

  2. n. a distinctive symptom or characteristic used in diagnosis

  3. adj. serving to analyze or identify the nature of a problem

Structure
dia <through>gnos <know>tic <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "diagnostic" originates from Greek, combining "dia-" (through) and "gnosis" (knowledge). The root "gnos" (to know) appears in many English words (e.g., "prognosis," "agnostic"). The suffix "-tic" converts the noun into an adjective. Historically, it referred to discerning diseases through symptoms, later expanding to general problem-solving contexts.

Examples
  1. The doctor used diagnostic tools to identify the illness.

  2. High fever is a diagnostic indicator of infection.

  3. The software includes diagnostic features to troubleshoot errors.

  4. Her diagnostic skills helped solve the technical issue quickly.

  5. Diagnostic tests confirmed the patient’s condition.