Autopsying Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
🔬
autopsying
[ɔˈtɒp.saɪ.ɪŋ ]
Definition
medical examination
Autopsying refers to the process of examining a body after death to determine the cause of death and the nature of any disease or injury that may be present. This procedure is usually conducted by a pathologist and can provide critical information in legal cases, medical research, and public health. The findings from an autopsy can yield valuable insights into both individual health and broader epidemiological trends. Additionally, autopsies may be performed for educational purposes in medical training.
Synonyms
autopsy, necropsy, postmortem examination.
Examples of usage
- The forensic team was autopsying the body to gather evidence.
- Autopsying revealed that the victim had a rare disease.
- She specialized in autopsying to improve forensic understanding.
- After autopsying, the coroner released the cause of death.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Origin of 'autopsying'
The term 'autopsy' originates from the Greek word 'autopsia', meaning 'to see for oneself'. This term itself is derived from the combination of 'auto-', meaning 'self', and 'opsis', meaning 'sight' or 'view'. The practice of autopsying dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, who conducted these examinations to understand the human body and diseases. Historically, the motivation for autopsies was both medical and legal, as they provided insights into the cause of death, contributing to advances in medicine and the justice system. Over time, the procedure has evolved, employing more sophisticated techniques and technologies, making modern autopsies a vital part of forensic medicine.