anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈna-tə-mē 

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)

: skeleton

(2)

: mummy

b

: the human body

wore an outfit that showed off various parts of her anatomy

Synonyms of anatomy

• analysis
• examination
• investigation

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

Multi-density sponges – wrapped in impossibly soft elastic micro-linen fabric – in the seat and headrest contoured to every curve in my anatomy, deliberately cupping each vertebra as if the chair were custom fitted to me, and me only. —New Atlas, 1 Jan. 2026

After a brief introduction to the anatomy of sea turtles in the region and how the center aims to protect the mammals and marine ecosystems, we were led to a room to watch the majestic creatures during a feeding. —Kristin Braswell, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Dec. 2025

To develop individualized surgical plans that respond to a patient’s specific anatomy. —Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Dec. 2025

In the past, those doctors simply avoided the glands and blamed mediocre results on unfavorable anatomy. —Jolene Edgar, Allure, 11 Dec. 2025

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

Phrases Containing anatomy

• gross anatomy

Rhymes for anatomy

• neuroanatomy

Kids Definition

anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē 

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

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Medical Definition

anatomy

noun

anat·​o·​my ə-ˈnat-ə-mē 

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