dissect

[dih-sekt, dahy-]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut apart (an animal body, plant, etc.) to examine the structure, relation of parts, or the like.

   Synonyms: anatomize

2. to examine minutely part by part; analyze.

   to dissect an idea.

   Synonyms: anatomize

dissect

/ dɪˈsɛkt, daɪ- /

verb

1. to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant)

2. (tr) to examine critically and minutely

dissect

1. To cut apart or separate body tissues or organs, especially for anatomical study.

2. In surgery, to separate different anatomical structures along natural lines by dividing the connective tissue framework.

Other Word Forms

• dissection noun
• dissector noun
• dissectible adjective
• redissect verb (used with object)
• self-dissecting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissect¹

1600–10; < Latin dissectus (past participle of dissecāre to cut up), equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + sec- cut + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissect¹

C17: from Latin dissecāre, from _dis- ¹ + secāre to cut

Example Sentences

Recipes are dissected, starters replicated, variations posted online within hours.

From Salon

This was Ms Fasold's first introduction to the world of so-called body brokers: private companies that acquire corpses, dissect them, and then sell the limbs for a profit, often to medical research centres.

From BBC

A UK forensic pathologist told the inquest this could not be determined and criticised the treatment of her body which involved her organs inexplicably being dissected prior to repatriation.

From BBC

After dissecting the night before, the enthusiastic praising of each other continues.

From BBC

But with no Europe and no EFL Cup, now the gaps are going to be much longer and there will be far more time to dissect what Amorim has said.

From BBC

Related Words

• examine 
• explore 
• inspect 
• investigate 
• scrutinize