vivisect

[ viv-uh-sekt, viv-uh-sekt ]

verb (used with object)

1. to dissect the living body of (an animal).

verb (used without object)

1. to practice vivisection.

vivisect

/ ˈvɪvɪˌsɛkt; ˌvɪvɪˈsɛkt /

verb

1. to subject (an animal) to vivisection

Derived Forms

• ˈviviˌsector, noun

Other Words From

• vivi·sector noun
• self-vivi·sector noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vivisect¹

First recorded in 1860–65; back formation from vivisection

Word History and Origins

Origin of vivisect¹

C19: back formation from vivisection

Example Sentences

Mason-wasps deliberately vivisect spiders, which are insects extremely tenacious of life.

From Project Gutenberg

To do any great thing with the heart of another, you must vivisect your own, and this truth Theodora had to practise continually.

From Project Gutenberg

The man who can vivisect an emotion, and lay bare a heart-beat in print, knows a subtle joy.

From Project Gutenberg

Whether they vivisect painfully or painlessly, they are trying to find out whether the truth is there or not.

From Project Gutenberg

He is not allowed to try his germs and specifics upon them; he is not allowed to vivisect them.

From Project Gutenberg