dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt How to pronounce dissect (audio)
also
di- How to pronounce dissect (audio) ˈdī-ˌsekt How to pronounce dissect (audio)
dissected; dissecting; dissects

transitive verb

1
: to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (something, such as an animal) for scientific examination
dissect an earthworm
dissecting flowers
2
: to analyze and interpret minutely
dissect a problem
dissector
dī-ˈsek-tər
also
di- How to pronounce dissect (audio)
ˈdī-ˌsek-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for dissect

analyze, dissect, break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements.

analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

Examples of dissect in a Sentence

We dissected a frog in science class. She dissected each point of his argument. We dissected the poem in class. The city is dissected by a network of highways.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Technical and Legal Analysis In a detailed essay published on his website, Balaji dissects the complex legal landscape surrounding AI training data. Virginie Berger, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Trump’s recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s podcast, for example, was dissected, clipped and remixed by both cheerleaders and critics of the former president. Brian Stelter, CNN, 28 Oct. 2024 The center dissected many of those bodies and leased out the parts for use by other medical schools, for-profit research companies and the Army. Jon Schuppe, NBC News, 23 Oct. 2024 Continue reading … -- IN OTHER NEWS 'MYSTERY MAN' – Web sleuths dissect surveillance footage, cast doubt on how teacher died. Fox News, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dissect 

Word History

Etymology

Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare to cut apart, from dis- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissect was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near dissect

Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissect. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

dissect

verb
1
: to cut up (as a plant or animal) into separate parts for examination and study
2
: to make a careful examination of
dissect a problem
Etymology

from Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare "to cut apart," from dis- "apart" and secare "to cut" — related to insect, section

Medical Definition

dissect

transitive verb
: to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts of (as an animal or a cadaver) for scientific examination
specifically : to separate or follow along natural lines of cleavage (as through connective tissue)
dissect out the regional lymph nodes
a dissecting aneurysm

intransitive verb

: to make a medical dissection
dissector noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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