dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion dī-ˈsek-shən 

also

di-  ˈdī-ˌsek- 

1

: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected

2

: an anatomical specimen prepared by dissecting

Synonyms

• analysis
• examination
• investigation

Examples of dissection in a Sentence

the book's dissection of the problem of obesity in this country

Recent Examples on the Web

The John Ritter Foundation, founded by Ritter’s widow Amy Yasbeck, spread awareness about aortic health and funds research into aortic dissection. —Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 8 Oct. 2025

For the real monomaniacs, this album has unleashed a bounty of dissection opportunities. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 8 Oct. 2025

In rare instances, that posture can cause a tear in the artery wall, called a dissection, which may then form a clot and block blood flow to the brain. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 8 Oct. 2025

Family-friendly Offerings Ritz Kids activities focus on nature, exploration, and culture with activities for various ages, including arts and crafts, squid dissection, and educational experiences. —Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for dissection

• abjection
• advection
• affection
• bijection
• bisection
• collection
• complexion
• confection
• connection
• connexion
• convection
• correction

Kids Definition

dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion -ˈsek-shən 

-ˌsek-

1

: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected

2

: a plant or animal or a part of one that has been dissected for study of the anatomy

Medical Definition

dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion dis-ˈek-shən; dī-ˈsek-  ˈdī-ˌ 

1

: the act or process of dissecting or separating: as

a

: the surgical removal along natural lines of cleavage of tissues which are or might become diseased

b

: the digital separation of tissues (as in heart-valve operations) compare finger fracture

c

: a pathological splitting or separation of tissue see aortic dissection

2

a

: something (as a part or the whole of an animal) that has been dissected

b

: an anatomical specimen prepared in this way