dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt 

also

di-  ˈdī-ˌsekt 

dissected; dissecting; dissects

transitive verb

1

: to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (something, such as an animal) for scientific examination

dissect an earthworm

dissecting flowers

2

: to analyze and interpret minutely

dissect a problem

intransitive verb

: to make a dissection

dissector

dī-ˈsek-tər

also

di- 

ˈdī-ˌsek-

noun

Synonyms

• analyze
• anatomize
• assay
• break down
• cut
• deconstruct

Choose the Right Synonym for dissect

analyze, dissect, break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements.

analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

Examples of dissect in a Sentence

We dissected a frog in science class.

She dissected each point of his argument.

We dissected the poem in class.

The city is dissected by a network of highways.

Recent Examples on the Web

What transpired over the next few days and how Wood ended up drowning in the dark waters off the coast of the island has been dissected for decades. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 29 Nov. 2024

This is a high-profile case that’s been dissected many times. —Brande Victorian, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Nov. 2024

Oliver Kay, Nick Miller, Seb Stafford-Bloor, Michael Bailey and Caoimhe O’Neill dissect the main talking points as the season resumes. —Oliver Kay, The Athletic, 21 Nov. 2024

In the aftermath of Kamala Harris’ electoral defeat, Democratic strategists are busy dissecting the myriad reasons behind her loss. —Todd Pittinsky, New York Daily News, 7 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare to cut apart, from dis- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt  ˈdi-  ˈdī-ˌsekt 

1

: to cut up (as a plant or animal) into separate parts for examination and study

2

: to make a careful examination of

dissect a problem

Etymology

from Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare "to cut apart," from dis- "apart" and secare "to cut" — related to insect, section

Medical Definition

dissect

transitive verb

dis·​sect dis-ˈekt; dī-ˈsekt  ˈdī-ˌ 

: to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts of (as an animal or a cadaver) for scientific examination

specifically : to separate or follow along natural lines of cleavage (as through connective tissue)

dissect out the regional lymph nodes

a dissecting aneurysm

intransitive verb

: to make a medical dissection

dissector

-ər 

noun