Main Entry: viv·i·sec·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌvi-və-ˈsek-shən, ˈvi-və-ˌ\

Function: noun

Etymology: Latin vivus + English section

Date: 1707

1 : the cutting of or operation on a living animal usually for physiological or pathological investigation; broadly : animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject
2 : minute or pitiless examination or criticism

— viv·i·sec·tion·al \ˌvi-və-ˈsek-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— viv·i·sec·tion·ist \-ˈsek-sh(ə-)nist\ noun