# DSM

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dsm
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. psychiatry manual

noun · CEFR C1 · Technical

Stands for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It is the official book doctors use to name and group mental health conditions.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. It serves as the authoritative guide for the diagnosis of mental disorders in the United States and much of the international community.

- The doctor checked the DSM to see if the patient's symptoms matched the criteria for depression.
- Critics argue that the latest revision of the DSM pathologizes normal human variations, while proponents claim it provides necessary diagnostic consistency for clinicians.

### 2. military medal

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

Stands for Distinguished Service Medal. This is a high-level award given to members of the military for doing excellent work in a position of great responsibility.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Distinguished Service Medal. A military decoration awarded to individuals who have distinguished themselves by exceptionally meritorious service to the government in a duty of great responsibility.

- The general was awarded the DSM for his leadership during the long conflict.
- After forty years of exemplary leadership in the Navy, the Admiral was presented with the DSM during his retirement ceremony.

### 3. 3D map model

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

Stands for Digital Surface Model. It is a 3D computer map that shows the height of everything on the ground, including buildings and trees.

For teachers: Abbreviation for Digital Surface Model. A topographic model of the earth's surface that includes all objects on it, such as vegetation and man-made structures, unlike a digital terrain model.

- The city used a DSM to see how new tall buildings would change the view of the park.
- By comparing the DSM with the digital terrain model, researchers were able to calculate the exact height of the forest canopy across the valley.

## Examples

- The general received the DSM for his leadership during the war.
- After forty years of exemplary service, the admiral was honored with the DSM at his retirement ceremony.
- While the Silver Star recognizes individual gallantry in combat, the DSM is reserved for those whose strategic oversight and administrative excellence fundamentally alter the course of a major military operation.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.