necropsy

[ nek-rop-see ]

noun

, plural nec·rop·sies.

1. the examination of a body after death; autopsy.

verb (used with object)

, nec·rop·sied, nec·rop·sy·ing.

1. to perform a necropsy on.

necropsy

/ ˈnɛkrɒpsɪ; nɛˈkrɒskəpɪ /

noun

1. See autopsy
   another name for autopsy

Word History and Origins

Origin of necropsy¹

1855–60; necr- + -opsy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of necropsy¹

C19: from Greek nekros dead body + opsis sight

Example Sentences

To do this, he conducts necropsies, looks at tissues under a microscope, and examines biopsies.

From MIT Technology Review

Necropsy protocols usually are incomplete and unsatisfactory in their descriptions of the heart.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• autopsy
• dissection