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

• analysis
• anatomizing
• assay
• breakdown
• deconstruction
• dissection

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

According to the group, most participants choose tubal ligation, a permanent sterilization procedure for people with female anatomy. —Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025

Human anatomy and physiology, an elective class, also covers some material. —Scott Travis, Sun Sentinel, 14 May 2025

The new species was identified by its internal anatomy, reproductive system, arm suckers and other subtle physical features, Verhoeff said. —Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 13 May 2025

Imagine medical students exploring a virtual anatomy lesson together or design teams collaborating on a 3D prototype without the hassle of headsets. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 8 May 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