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 of dissection

• 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 Man From Colorado is a dissection of the effects of PTSD (both on the part of soldiers and their families), a satire of megalomania, and a crackling thriller. —Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Apr. 2026

Charli xcx, whose music and persona have been sources of constant online dissection for years. —William Earl, Variety, 9 Apr. 2026

Mice with moderate triglyceride levels had accelerated aneurysms form, those with higher levels experienced an aortic dissection or tear, and most mice with severely high concentrations died from an aortic rupture. —Brianna Abbott, STAT, 7 Apr. 2026

After those two weeks, Paula died from the aortic dissection at 66. —Ashley Vega, PEOPLE, 31 Mar. 2026

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