anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈna-tə-mē 

plural anatomies

1

: a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms

2

: a treatise on anatomical science or art

3

: the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : dissection

4

obsolete : a body dissected or to be dissected

5

: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts

the anatomy of birds

human anatomy

6

: a separating or dividing into parts for detailed examination : analysis

the anatomy of a marriage

7

a(1)

: skeleton

(2)

: mummy

b

: the human body

wore an outfit that showed off various parts of her anatomy

Synonyms

• analysis
• anatomizing
• assay
• breakdown
• deconstruction
• dissection

Examples of anatomy in a Sentence

We had to take a class on anatomy.

learning about the anatomies of different types of birds

learning about the anatomy of an earthquake

Recent Examples on the Web

Medical imaging has traditionally focused on creating static visual representations of a patient's internal anatomy. —Paul Kovalenko, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Its designers can put any range of powerful electric motors and joints into its anatomy. —New Atlas, 24 Feb. 2025

These sneakers are specifically crafted with women’s anatomy in mind, providing the essential cushioning needed for all-day support. —Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 23 Feb. 2025

This is classic mosaic evolution, where different parts of the anatomy evolve at distinct rates. —Scott Travers, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin anatomia dissection, from Greek anatomē, from anatemnein to dissect, from ana- + temnein to cut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing anatomy

• gross anatomy

Rhymes for anatomy

• neuroanatomy

Kids Definition

anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē 

plural anatomies

1

: a branch of knowledge that deals with the structure of organisms

also : a book on bodily structure

2

: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts

anatomic

ˌan-ə-ˈtäm-ik

adjective

or anatomical

-ˈtäm-i-kəl

anatomically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē 

plural anatomies

1

: a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms compare physiology sense 1

2

: a treatise on anatomic science or art

3

: the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : dissection

4

: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts