dissection
Americannoun
-
the act of dissecting.
-
something that has been dissected.
-
a detailed, part-by-part analysis.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of dissection
1575–85; < Latin dissectiōn- (stem of dissectiō ), equivalent to dissect- ( see dissect) + -iōn- -ion
Explanation
Dissection is the process of separating something into pieces. Whether the dissection involves taking a poem apart line-by-line to learn its meaning or cutting open a frog to study its insides, you're pulling out the parts that make up a whole to better understand it. Let's dissect, or take apart, this word for a moment. Dis- means "apart" and section means "to cut", which come together to form the definition of dissection: "to cut apart." When you cut something up into sections you're doing a dissection. The word is commonly used when talking about the process of cutting something apart for scientific purposes, it's also used to talk about taking apart an argument, a poem, or a plan.
Vocabulary lists containing dissection
Geometry - High School
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Geometry (Base List)
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A Cut Above: Sect, Sec
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Dissection isn't always the best way to understand a body.
From Salon • Jun. 11, 2022
Dissection is still used in medical schools, anatomy courses, and in pathology labs.
From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013
I’ve begun some preliminary physical therapy: Here’s what appears to be the most comprehensive paper on the condition I experienced on Friday: Painful Horner Syndrome as a Harbinger of Silent Carotid Dissection.
From New York Times • Jul. 8, 2011
Dissection of a huge python found in the bush follows, as well as a primer in the evolution and inner workings of an extraordinarily adaptable reptile.
From The Guardian • Jun. 15, 2010
Dissection of the log revealed many chewed juniper seeds inside and beneath the log, but no nest.
From Comparative Ecology of Pinyon Mice and Deer Mice in Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado by Douglas, Charles L.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
