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 subject2: 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