dissect
[ dih-sekt, dahy- ]
/ dɪˈsɛkt, daɪ- /
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verb (used with object)
to cut apart (an animal body, plant, etc.) to examine the structure, relation of parts, or the like.
to examine minutely part by part; analyze: to dissect an idea.
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Origin of dissect
1600–10; <Latin dissectus (past participle of dissecāre to cut up), equivalent to dis-dis-1 + sec- cut + -tus past participle suffix
OTHER WORDS FROM dissect
dis·sec·ti·ble, adjectivedis·sec·tor, nounre·dis·sect, verb (used with object)self-dis·sect·ing, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH dissect
bisect, dissectWords nearby dissect
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
Example sentences from the Web for dissect
British Dictionary definitions for dissect
dissect
/ (dɪˈsɛkt, daɪ-) /
verb
to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant)
(tr) to examine critically and minutely
Derived forms of dissect
dissectible, adjectivedissection, noundissector, nounWord Origin for dissect
C17: from Latin dissecāre, from dis- 1 + secāre to cut
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medical definitions for dissect
dissect
[ dĭ-sĕkt′, dī-, dī′sĕkt′ ]
v.
To cut apart or separate tissue, especially for anatomical study.
In surgery, to separate different anatomical structures along natural lines by dividing the connective tissue framework.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Scientific definitions for dissect
dissect
[ dĭ-sĕkt′, dī′sĕkt′ ]
To cut apart or separate body tissues or organs, especially for anatomical study.
In surgery, to separate different anatomical structures along natural lines by dividing the connective tissue framework.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.