Vivisection: meaning, definitions and examples

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vivisection

 

[ ˌvɪvɪˈsɛkʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

scientific procedure

Vivisection is the practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation or scientific research. It often involves procedures that may cause pain or suffering to the animal. The term is frequently associated with debates on animal rights and ethical considerations regarding animal welfare.

Synonyms

animal dissection, animal experimentation, surgical experimentation

Examples of usage

  • The researchers defended their use of vivisection to advance medical knowledge.
  • Animal rights activists protest against vivisection practices.
  • Vivisection has been a controversial method in the field of biomedical research.

Translations

Translations of the word "vivisection" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vivissecção

🇮🇳 विविसेक्शन

🇩🇪 Vivisektion

🇮🇩 viviseksi

🇺🇦 вівісекція

🇵🇱 wawisekcja

🇯🇵 生体解剖

🇫🇷 vivisection

🇪🇸 vivisección

🇹🇷 vivisection

🇰🇷 생체 해부

🇸🇦 تشريح حيوي

🇨🇿 vivisekce

🇸🇰 vivisekcia

🇨🇳 活体解剖

🇸🇮 vivisekcija

🇮🇸 lifandi skurður

🇰🇿 вивисекция

🇬🇪 ვივისექცია

🇦🇿 viviseksiya

🇲🇽 vivisección

Word origin

The term 'vivisection' originated in the late 19th century, combining the Latin prefix 'vivi-', meaning 'alive', and 'sectio', which translates to 'cutting'. The practice itself dates back to ancient Greece, but it gained a particularly significant foothold during the rise of modern scientific inquiry in the 19th century. Notably, the use of vivisection became a focal point of ethical debates as scientific advancements often conflicted with growing concerns over animal rights. Pioneers in various scientific disciplines employed vivisection to gain insights into physiological processes and disease mechanisms, contributing to significant medical breakthroughs. However, public opinion increasingly polarized over the moral implications, leading to the establishment of regulations and advocacy against inhumane treatment of animals in research. Today, many countries have strict guidelines designed to ensure animal welfare in scientific research, reflecting the ongoing tension between scientific progress and ethical considerations.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,762, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.