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

Below is the anatomy of a scandal — actually several scandals. —Susan Merriam, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2024

Instead of being designed for a man’s foot and sized down for women, like so many on the market, the sneaker was specifically designed for the anatomy of a female foot, with a wider forefoot and narrower heel. —Rachel Chang, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Mar. 2024

But in reality, scientists say a shark couldn’t breed with a stingray—their anatomies are completely different. —Carlyn Kranking, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 Mar. 2024

Eventually, these handheld ultrasound probes or wearable arrays could be used not only to image the anatomy but also to read out vital signs like internal pressure changes due to tumor growth or deep-tissue oxygenation after surgery. —IEEE Spectrum, 17 Mar. 2024

Diversity Beyond 'Diversity' Our shape, size, height, anatomy, weight, gender, DNA, personality, nationality, culture, age, and sensitivities to light, noise, temperature, and humidity make each of us unique. —Andrew Mawson, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Preying on at least five prostitutes, the killer left a gruesome mark, demonstrating a disturbing knowledge of human anatomy. —Maeghan Dolph, Fox News, 25 Feb. 2024

Whales that strand themselves on the beach can provide researchers with an opportunity to study their anatomy closer. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 21 Feb. 2024

What bacteria had evolved as an ancient defense mechanism against viruses, Doudna and Charpentier had repurposed into a tool for operating on life’s most minute anatomy: DNA. —Megan Molteni, STAT, 21 Feb. 2024

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

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