(1) A change, for the better or for the worse, in the course of a disease. (2) A general move toward a given point. (3) The measurement or estimation of any quantity or quality in scientific or laboratory investigation. (4) Discernment of a state or category (e.g., in diagnosis). (5) A process, both necessary and sufficient, whereby an effect is caused. [L. de-termino, pp. -atus, to limit, determine, fr. terminus, a boundary]