DictionaryRoot: dia-
Greek
dia-
through, across; apart
Forms
- dia-
- di- — Used before a vowel in some Greek compounds.
Origin
Greek dia, ‘through’; a connection with the Indo-European word for ‘two’ has been proposed but is uncertain.
Note
Passing through something can also divide it, linking traversal with separation.
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noun
diagnosis
dye-ug-NOH-sis/ˌdaɪəɡˈnəʊsɪs/
Identification of the nature or cause of a disease or problem.
Etymology
The pieces express knowing thoroughly or knowing things apart. This became discerning or distinguishing, then specifically recognizing a disease by the symptoms that distinguish it.