anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈna-tə-mē How to pronounce anatomy (audio)
plural anatomies
1
: a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms
2
: a treatise on anatomical science or art
3
: the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : dissection
4
obsolete : a body dissected or to be dissected
5
: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts
the anatomy of birds
human anatomy
6
: a separating or dividing into parts for detailed examination : analysis
the anatomy of a marriage
7
a(1)
(2)
: mummy
b
: the human body
wore an outfit that showed off various parts of her anatomy

Examples of anatomy in a Sentence

We had to take a class on anatomy. learning about the anatomies of different types of birds learning about the anatomy of an earthquake
Recent Examples on the Web Preying on at least five prostitutes, the killer left a gruesome mark, demonstrating a disturbing knowledge of human anatomy. Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2024 Whales that strand themselves on the beach can provide researchers with an opportunity to study their anatomy closer. Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024 What bacteria had evolved as an ancient defense mechanism against viruses, Doudna and Charpentier had repurposed into a tool for operating on life’s most minute anatomy: DNA. Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024 The report also cited episodes where Jackson discussed a female staff member’s anatomy, drank on the job and took Ambien while he was supposed to be on call to the president. Michael Kranish, Washington Post, 16 Feb. 2024 Tissues preserved in rock can reveal information like the anatomy of the reptile, its physiology, and its skin coloration. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 16 Feb. 2024 Further research will help better understand the internal and external anatomy of the organisms. Jack Knudson, Discover Magazine, 9 Feb. 2024 Garments and accessories paraded down the runway, such as a dress adorned with microchips, paying homage to the original codes devised by the founder of the historic maison, similar to keyholes with locks and the fascinating interest in human anatomy. Pino Gagliardi, The Hollywood Reporter, 24 Jan. 2024 The Friday and Saturday sessions on MSK Ultrasound will provide practitioners with guidance on ultrasound scanning and ultrasound anatomy, including shoulder, elbow, wrist/hand, pelvis, hip, knee, foot/ankle anatomy, and spine. Miami Herald, 24 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anatomy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Late Latin anatomia dissection, from Greek anatomē, from anatemnein to dissect, from ana- + temnein to cut

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of anatomy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near anatomy

Cite this Entry

“Anatomy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anatomy. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

anatomy

noun
anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē How to pronounce anatomy (audio)
plural anatomies
1
: a branch of knowledge that deals with the structure of organisms
also : a book on bodily structure
2
: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts
anatomic
ˌan-ə-ˈtäm-ik
adjective
or anatomical
-ˈtäm-i-kəl
anatomically adverb

Medical Definition

anatomy

noun
anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē How to pronounce anatomy (audio)
plural anatomies
1
: a branch of morphology that deals with the structure of organisms compare physiology sense 1
2
: a treatise on anatomic science or art
3
: the art of separating the parts of an organism in order to ascertain their position, relations, structure, and function : dissection
4
: structural makeup especially of an organism or any of its parts

More from Merriam-Webster on anatomy

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