dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion dī-ˈsek-shən 

also

di-  ˈdī-ˌsek- 

1

: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected

2

: an anatomical specimen prepared by dissecting

Synonyms

• analysis
• anatomizing
• anatomy
• assay
• breakdown
• deconstruction

Examples of dissection in a Sentence

the book's dissection of the problem of obesity in this country

Recent Examples on the Web

Among these, more than 830 bodies were selected by the center for dissection and study. —Mike Hixenbaugh, NBC News, 16 Sep. 2024

Coronary artery dissection occurs when one of the three layers of the coronary artery wall spontaneously detaches. —Vanessa Caceres, Verywell Health, 11 Sep. 2024

In The Bibi Files, Gibney and director Alexis Bloom offer a devastating dissection of the right-wing leader. —Steven Zeitchik, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Sep. 2024

The Man From Colorado is a dissection of the effects of PTSD (both on the part of soldiers and their families), a satire of megalomania, and a crackling thriller. —Declan Gallagher, EW.com, 8 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion -ˈsek-shən 

-ˌsek-

1

: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected

2

: a plant or animal or a part of one that has been dissected for study of the anatomy

Medical Definition

dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion dis-ˈek-shən; dī-ˈsek-  ˈdī-ˌ 

1

: the act or process of dissecting or separating: as

a

: the surgical removal along natural lines of cleavage of tissues which are or might become diseased

b

: the digital separation of tissues (as in heart-valve operations) compare finger fracture

c

: a pathological splitting or separation of tissue see aortic dissection

2

a

: something (as a part or the whole of an animal) that has been dissected

b

: an anatomical specimen prepared in this way