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Necropsy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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necropsy

[ˈnɛkrɒpsi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

medical examination

A necropsy is a post-mortem examination performed on animals to determine the cause of death. It is similar to an autopsy but specifically pertains to non-human subjects. The procedure involves a thorough examination of the body's organs and tissues, often including laboratory tests.

Synonyms

autopsy, post-mortem, post-mortem examination.

Examples of usage

  • The veterinarian performed a necropsy on the deceased dog.
  • After the horse passed away, a necropsy was conducted to investigate its illness.
  • The research team published the findings from the necropsy of various wildlife species.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Scientists conduct necropsies to learn about diseases and health in animal populations, assisting in wildlife conservation efforts.
  • Findings from these examinations can help prevent the spread of diseases from animals to humans, contributing to public health.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, the study of dead bodies has been a way to honor and remember the deceased, emphasizing their role in the life cycle.
  • Traditional practices surrounding animal care often involve necropsies to ensure the health of the remaining herd or community.

Legal Context

  • In veterinary medicine, necropsy findings can aid in legal investigations, determining causes of death in cases of animal cruelty or negligence.
  • Similar to human autopsies, results from necropsies can be critical in court cases regarding livestock and pet welfare.

Veterinary Medicine

  • Veterinarians utilize necropsies to diagnose illnesses that may not have been identified during the animals' lives, allowing better treatment for other pets.
  • This process helps improve veterinary practices by identifying trends in diseases among different species.

Origin of 'necropsy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term originates from the Greek word 'nekros' meaning 'dead body' and 'opsis' meaning 'sight' or 'view'.
  • The word reflects the practice of studying dead organisms, a practice that dates back to ancient cultures for both health and ritualistic reasons.

The term 'necropsy' originates from the Greek words 'nekros,' meaning 'dead body,' and 'opsis,' meaning 'sight' or 'view.' This indicates a viewing or examination of a dead body, reflecting the procedure's purpose of uncovering information about death. The usage of the term has evolved over time, primarily used in veterinary contexts, distinguishing it from 'autopsy,' which is more commonly associated with human bodies. The practice of necropsy dates back to ancient times when physicians and scientists would examine animal corpses to gain insights into disease and anatomy. As veterinary medicine advanced, the necropsy became a critical tool for diagnosing diseases in animals, studying epidemiology, and contributing to public health knowledge.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,734, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.