dissect
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
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to cut open and examine the structure of (a dead animal or plant)
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(tr) to examine critically and minutely
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To cut apart or separate body tissues or organs, especially for anatomical study.
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In surgery, to separate different anatomical structures along natural lines by dividing the connective tissue framework.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Participles
Conjugated Forms
Present
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dissectsimple
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dissectssimple
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have dissectedperfect
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has dissectedperfect
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am dissectingprogressive
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are dissectingprogressive
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is dissectingprogressive
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have been dissectingperfect progressive
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has been dissectingperfect progressive
Past
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dissectedsimple
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had dissectedperfect
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was dissectingprogressive
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were dissectingprogressive
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had been dissectingperfect progressive
Future
Etymology
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
Explanation
When you dissect a frog in science class, you cut it open to look at its inner organs. To dissect is to break something down to look at its parts. Dissecting something allows you to look at it closely and understand it better. If your soccer team loses a match, you might want to dissect the game afterward to try to find exactly how and when things went wrong. Television analysts will often dissect a political speech to understand what was really being said, how true the statements were, and how well it was done.
Vocabulary lists containing dissect
"Fine?" Vocabulary from the short story
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Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
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Thirteen Reasons Why
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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.
Normally, identifying a new octopus species requires scientists to dissect the specimen and closely study features such as the mouth, beak, and teeth.
From Science Daily • May 25, 2026
The way they dissect intricate moves and passing sequences; how Fernandes explains his thought process that led to Kobbie Mainoo's memorable second goal in the 2024 FA Cup final.
From BBC • Apr. 24, 2026
When asked whether the Legislature had plans to dissect the response, Allen said he would support a robust investigation.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2026
The kids took to TikTok and Instagram to dissect every awful thing Banks and the rest did in the name of goosing ratings, with many wondering why its audience barely blinked at its endless exploitation.
From Salon • Feb. 20, 2026
“When I heard of my father’s death, I was traveling to the university in Padua, where thousands come to study with the masters of medicine, to dissect every part of man and discover his secrets.”
From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein
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.
