dissect

[dih-sekt, dahy-]

verb (used with object)

1. to cut apart (an animal body, plant, etc.) to examine the structure, relation of parts, or the like.

   Synonyms: anatomize

2. to examine minutely part by part; analyze.

   to dissect an idea.

   Synonyms: anatomize

dissect

/ dɪˈsɛkt, daɪ- /

verb

1. to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant)

2. (tr) to examine critically and minutely

dissect

1. To cut apart or separate body tissues or organs, especially for anatomical study.

2. In surgery, to separate different anatomical structures along natural lines by dividing the connective tissue framework.

Other Word Forms

• dissectible adjective
• dissector noun
• redissect verb (used with object)
• self-dissecting adjective
• dissection noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissect¹

1600–10; < Latin dissectus (past participle of dissecāre to cut up), equivalent to dis- dis- ¹ + sec- cut + -tus past participle suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dissect¹

C17: from Latin dissecāre, from _dis- ¹ + secāre to cut

Example Sentences

Markets will also dissect the Fed’s meeting minutes on Wednesday and U.S. purchasing managers’ data on Friday.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

There is so much to unpack, dissect, consider and meditate upon.

Read more on Salon

Maybe the useful thing now is to dissect the collective dishonesty of the climate crowd.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As he does in the book, the legendary actor dissects how he approached the role, adding a digression about Joseph Stalin being scariest when he went quiet.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

For Americans watching closely, the message is clear: the warnings are real, and the public is now documenting, dissecting and reckoning with them in real time.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• examine 
• explore 
• inspect 
• investigate 
• scrutinize