meta-analysis

noun

meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌme-tə-ə-ˈna-lə-səs How to pronounce meta-analysis (audio)
: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One meta-analysis observed significant reductions in fasting glucose and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) with 35 mg of zinc supplementation daily. Melissa Nieves, Verywell Health, 4 June 2025 Brennan also highlighted a meta-analysis of 67 different studies of COVID vaccines given during pregnancy. ArsTechnica, 2 June 2025 While some consumer watchdogs have raised alarms on the link between dyes and behavioral disorders such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, the best studies and meta-analyses to date have not found any reliable link. Ross Marchand, Boston Herald, 30 May 2025 Some studies suggest yes: A meta-analysis published in 2023 in Nutrition Reviews crunched the data on 23 studies and concluded taking creatine was linked to better memory, especially in older adults age 66 to 76. Cindy Kuzma, SELF, 28 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for meta-analysis

Word History

First Known Use

1976, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of meta-analysis was in 1976

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Cite this Entry

“Meta-analysis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/meta-analysis. Accessed 13 Jun. 2025.

Medical Definition

meta-analysis

noun
meta-anal·​y·​sis ˌmet-ə-ə-ˈnal-ə-səs How to pronounce meta-analysis (audio)
: 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 individualsScientific American Medicine Bulletin
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