Vivisect Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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vivisect
[หvษชvษชหsษkt ]
Definition
scientific study
To vivisect means to perform surgery on a living organism for the purpose of scientific research. This term is often associated with animal testing and has ethical implications related to the treatment of animals in experimentation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The researchers decided to vivisect the frog to study its internal organs.
- Vivisecting animals raises significant ethical concerns.
- During the experiment, they had to vivisect the subject carefully to avoid unnecessary harm.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History of Animal Research
- The practice began in the 17th century, driven by a desire to understand human anatomy and physiology.
- Notable figures like Renรฉ Descartes supported this method for understanding life processes, leading to ethical debates.
Ethics
- Vivisection is controversial, with advocates arguing for animal rights and humane treatment.
- Organizations like PETA work against the practice, advocating for alternative research methods.
Scientific Impact
- Discoveries in biology, neurology, and medicine have been influenced by studies involving vivisection.
- It has led to breakthroughs in understanding diseases and developing treatments, although at a significant ethical cost.
Cultural Depictions
- Vivisection is often portrayed in films and literature to highlight the conflict between science and ethics.
- Books like 'Frankenstein' explore the implications of manipulating life through science, including the intense moral dilemmas involved.
Origin of 'vivisect'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'vivus', meaning 'alive', and 'sectio', meaning 'cutting'.
- It has been used in English since the 19th century, mainly in scientific contexts.
The term 'vivisect' originates from the Latin word 'vivus,' meaning 'alive,' and the root 'sect,' which comes from 'secare,' meaning 'to cut.' The concept emerged in the late 19th century, aligning with progress in both biology and medicine, where live dissections were seen as valuable for understanding living organisms. Despite its scientific significance, the practice has been contentious, leading to debates over animal rights and ethical treatment. As a result, regulations around vivisection have evolved to balance the quest for knowledge with humane treatment of animals.