diagnosis

n.; pl. Diagnoses [ NL., fr. Gr. &unr_;, fr. &unr_; to distinguish; dia` through, asunder + &unr_; 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 ]