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

Because the deep plane technique involves a more extensive dissection of tissues under and around facial nerves, Kaplan cautioned that the biggest risk is facial paralysis, which can be temporary or permanent. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025

Written in the form of an MFA thesis, the book offers a postmodern dissection of the ways power affects coupling partnerships. —Brittany Allen, Literary Hub, 4 June 2025

Skinner’s post-match news conference turned into a dissection of why Chelsea are so tough to compete with. —Michael Cox, New York Times, 19 May 2025

Munn was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer in April 2023 and went public with her health journey in March 2024, having undergone five surgeries including a lymph node dissection, a double mastectomy and a hysterectomy. —Kirsten Chuba, HollywoodReporter, 17 Apr. 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