Dissection Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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dissection

[dɪˈsɛkʃ(ə)n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

biology

The action of dissecting a body or plant to study its internal parts.

Synonyms

analysis, examination, investigation.

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Word Description / Examples
dissection

Used mostly in medical or biological fields to describe the act of cutting apart an organism to study its internal parts.

  • In biology class, the students performed a dissection of a frog to learn about its anatomy
analysis

Commonly used in academic, scientific, and business contexts to describe a detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

  • The company's financial analysis revealed insights into their revenue streams
examination

Often used in both formal academic settings to describe rigorous testing, and in various fields to describe detailed inspection or scrutiny.

  • The doctor conducted a thorough examination to diagnose the patient's illness
investigation

Frequently used in legal, journalistic, or scientific contexts to describe the systematic and detailed search for information or facts.

  • The police launched an investigation into the mysterious disappearance

Examples of usage

  • The students performed a dissection of a frog in biology class.
  • She was fascinated by the process of dissection and enjoyed learning about the anatomy of the human body.
  • The dissection of the flower revealed its reproductive organs.
  • The dissection of the specimen allowed the scientists to identify the cause of the disease.
  • During the dissection, the students carefully observed each organ and its function.

Translations

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

Origin of 'dissection'

The word 'dissection' originated from the Latin word 'dissecare', meaning 'to cut to pieces'. It has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of cutting apart a body or plant for examination. Dissection has been a fundamental practice in the fields of anatomy, biology, and medicine, allowing scientists and students to understand the internal structures of living organisms.


See also: dissect, intersect, secant, sect, sectarian, section, sections, sector.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,254, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.