meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌme-tə-ə-ˈna-lə-səs 

: a quantitative statistical analysis of several separate but similar experiments or studies in order to test the pooled data for statistical significance

Examples of meta-analysis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In the network meta-analysis (NMA), strength/resistance training lowered GPSQI by 5.75 points. —New Atlas, 5 Mar. 2025

The research was a meta-analysis that looked at 25 studies between 1996 and 2021. —Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 4 Mar. 2025

According to one meta-analysis, taking supplements that have more than 1 g of omega-3s increases the risk of atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeats).30 Additionally, side effects of high-dose supplementation of omega-3s include the following: Increased fasting blood sugar. —Allison Herries, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2025

Several meta-analysis studies have tested this hypothesis and found that no link exists between vaccines and chronic disease. —Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 21 Feb. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for meta-analysis

• haemodialysis
• hemodialysis
• microanalysis
• psychoanalysis
• analysis
• dialysis
• paralysis
• cryptanalysis
• urinalysis
• electrodialysis

Medical Definition

meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌmet-ə-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs 

: quantitative statistical analysis that is applied to separate but similar experiments of different and usually independent researchers and that involves pooling the data and using the pooled data to test the effectiveness of the results

the report … on low cholesterol presented a comprehensive meta-analysis of 32 randomized studies involving 42,000 individuals

—Scientific American Medicine Bulletin