Dissected Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissected

[dɪˈsɛktɪd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

anatomy study

Dissected refers to the act of carefully cutting apart to study the internal structure of an organism. This term is commonly used in biology and medicine to analyze the anatomy of plants and animals.

Synonyms

analyze, examine, explore, investigate.

Examples of usage

  • Students dissected a frog in biology class.
  • The scientist dissected the specimen to examine its organs.
  • The teacher demonstrated how to dissect a flower.
  • Many medical students dissected cadavers to learn about human anatomy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Education

  • In science classes, dissection is used to teach anatomy and biology by examining real specimens, like frogs or plants.
  • Dissecting helps students understand complex systems by breaking them down into simpler parts.

Art and Literature

  • In literary analysis, 'dissecting' a text involves examining its themes, characters, and structure.
  • Artists analyze their own work by dissecting techniques and materials to improve future creations.

Psychology

  • Psychological dissection involves breaking down thoughts or behaviors to understand motivations and emotions.
  • Techniques like 'cognitive dissection' help therapists and patients unpack complex issues.

Culinary Arts

  • In cooking, dissection can refer to breaking down recipes to identify ingredients and methods for better results.
  • Chefs often dissect dishes to understand flavors and techniques, allowing for innovation in the kitchen.

Origin of 'dissected'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Latin 'dissectus', which means 'to cut apart'.
  • It combines 'dis-', meaning 'apart', with 'sect', meaning 'to cut', showing the action of cutting into pieces.

The word 'dissect' originates from the Latin term 'dissecare', which means 'to cut apart'. It is derived from 'dis-' meaning 'apart' and 'secare' meaning 'to cut'. The term began to be utilized in English in the late 14th century as a scientific term, primarily used in the contexts of anatomy and dissection as part of medical education. Over the centuries, the meaning has been extended to describe detailed analysis or critique of various subjects, not just biological specimens. Dissection has played a crucial role in the advancement of medical knowledge through the centuries, with figures such as Andreas Vesalius in the 16th century emphasizing the importance of direct observation of the human body.


Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,048, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.