autopsy

[aw-top-see, aw-tuhp-]

noun

plural

autopsies 

1. inspection and dissection of a body after death, as for determination of the cause of death; postmortem examination.

2. an analysis of something after it has been done or made.

verb (used with object)

autopsied, autopsying 

1. to perform an autopsy on.

autopsy

/ ɔːˈtɒp-, ˈɔːtəpsɪ /

noun

1. Also called: necropsy.  postmortem examination. dissection and examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death

2. an eyewitness observation

3. any critical analysis

autopsy

1. A medical examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death or to study pathologic changes.

Other Word Forms

• autopsist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autopsy¹

1645–55; (< Middle French autopsie ) < Greek autopsía a seeing with one's own eyes, equivalent to aut- aut- + óps ( is ) -opsis + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of autopsy¹

C17: from New Latin autopsia, from Greek: seeing with one's own eyes, from _auto- + opsis sight

Example Sentences

The autopsy determined he died from asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit, and that his death was accidental.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Researchers from Wright State University analyzed driver autopsy results from car crashes in Montgomery County, Ohio, between January 2019 and September 2024.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

After an autopsy revealed head and body injuries consistent with an assault, and signs of a struggle, authorities admitted he had died at the hands of police.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The bear's remains will be necropsied - an autopsy performed on an animal - among other tests, including attempting to obtain DNA samples pn it that match the victim.

Read more on BBC

An autopsy concluded Skaggs accidentally died of asphyxia after aspirating his own vomit while under the influence of fentanyl, oxycodone and alcohol.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• postmortem