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

Fans have been meticulously dissecting the lyrics on all of the tracks on Swift’s latest album and there are plenty of nods to Kelce.

From Los Angeles Times

People are turning to AI to help craft breakup messages, to dissect conversations they're having with people they're dating, and to resolve problems in relationships.

From BBC

Most superhero movies are more concerned with expanding the franchise than using their heroes to dissect weighty cultural and political issues.

From Salon

I'm certainly not going to dissect an astronaut!

From BBC

Fans welcomed the return of rap's "queen of chaos" as they dissected the album's bracingly honest lyrics.

From BBC

Related Words

• examine 
• explore 
• inspect 
• investigate 
• scrutinize