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PREDICTIVE
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Of or relating to prediction; having value for making predictions
Synonyms:
predictive; prognostic; prognosticative
Classified under:
Similar:
prophetic; prophetical (foretelling events as if by supernatural intervention)
Derivation:
predict (indicate, as with a sign or an omen)
predict (make a prediction about; tell in advance)
Context examples:
These “biomarker signatures” outperformed the predictive accuracy of the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) protein, which is currently used for making early diagnoses of prostate cancer.
(Biomarker Signatures of Prostate Cancer, NIH)
The researchers also found that the form of spermine which was higher in mothers pregnant with a girl was also predictive of the risk of pregnancy complications: high levels were associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia (where the mother develops high blood pressure and kidney disease), whereas low levels were associated with an increased risk of poor fetal growth.
(Baby’s sex affects mother’s metabolism and may influence risk of pregnancy-related complications, University of Cambridge)
The researchers analysed the results using statistical methods and machine learning techniques to develop predictive models – for example, that an individual whose blood contains a certain pattern of proteins is at increased risk of developing diabetes.
(Study highlights potential for ‘liquid health check’ to predict disease risk, University of Cambridge)
Many of the proteins are linked to a number of health states or conditions; for example, leptin, which modulates appetite and metabolism, was informative for predictive models of percentage body fat, visceral fat, physical activity and fitness.
(Study highlights potential for ‘liquid health check’ to predict disease risk, University of Cambridge)
