Vivisecting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vivisecting

[ˈvɪvɪˌsɛktɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

scientific procedure

Vivisecting refers to the practice of performing surgery on living animals for experimental purposes. This method is often used in medical research to study the effects of treatments or diseases on physiological functions in real-time. It raises ethical questions regarding the treatment of animals and the necessity of such procedures in advancing scientific knowledge. Vivisection has been a controversial topic, leading to ongoing debates about animal rights and the moral implications of using live subjects for experimentation.

Synonyms

analyzing, dissecting, experimenting.

Examples of usage

  • The researchers began vivisecting the subjects to observe the effects of the drug.
  • Vivisecting has been criticized by animal welfare organizations.
  • He faced backlash for his views on vivisecting in modern science.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Ethics

  • Vivisection has sparked significant ethical debates about animal rights and the humane treatment of animals.
  • Many countries have regulations in place that require ethical justifications for any vivisection practices.
  • Alternatives, such as computer modeling and cell culture, are increasingly being considered to reduce the need for vivisection.

Scientific Research

  • Historically, vivisection has contributed to major medical breakthroughs, including anesthesia and vaccinations.
  • Vivisectors have been both controversial and crucial to biology and medicine, often dividing public opinion.
  • Some scientists argue that vivisection is essential for understanding complex biological systems.

Cultural Impact

  • Literature and films often portray vivisection in a negative light, symbolizing the dark side of scientific pursuit.
  • The term is frequently used in discussions about the moral implications of modern research practices.
  • Artistic representations have depicted vivisection as both a necessary evil and a troubling moral dilemma.

Modern Relevance

  • With advancements in technology, the reliance on vivisection has decreased in some fields, leading to new ways of studying life.
  • The push for transparency in research has increased public demand for ethical standards that protect animal welfare.
  • The ongoing debates reflect wider societal values regarding nature and the rights of living beings.

Origin of 'vivisecting'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from Latin 'vivus' meaning 'alive' and 'sectio' meaning 'cutting'.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 19th century, marking the rise of science and experimentation.
  • Prior to its current usage, terms like 'dissection' were primarily used for cutting open dead organisms.

The term 'vivisecting' is derived from the Latin word 'vivus' meaning 'alive' and 'sectio' meaning 'a cutting'. The word first gained prominence in the late 19th century as advances in medical science led to the systematic study of living organisms. Vivisection was perceived as a method to enhance surgical practices and drug testing, although it sparked intense debates about ethical standards in research. Over the decades, the term has been associated with both scientific innovation and the controversy surrounding animal testing, leading to movements advocating for alternative research methods.