necropsy

noun

nec·rop·sy | \ˈne-ˌkräp-sē

plural necropsies

Definition of necropsy

(Entry 1 of 2)

: autopsy sense 1 especially : an autopsy performed on an animal

necropsy

verb

necropsied; necropsying

Definition of necropsy (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

: to perform an autopsy on

Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about necropsy

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Did You Know?

Human autopsies are generally performed either to determine the cause of death or to observe the deadly effects of a disease for research or education purposes. Autopsies may be necessary when tracking an epidemic; they're also performed to discover whether a death might actually have resulted from murder, and if so, what evidence it might reveal that could help catch the murderer. Animal necropsies are actually more common than human autopsies, since a farmer with livestock is always concerned that whatever killed one animal not pose a threat to the others.

Examples of necropsy in a Sentence

Noun

a necropsy failed to definitively establish a cause of death

Recent Examples on the Web: Noun

The tribe, assisted by the Cascadia Research biologist, performed a necropsy on the beach. — Lynda V. Mapes, The Seattle Times, "Whale killed by ship near Neah Bay now a harvest celebration as Makah Nation prepares feast," 24 Aug. 2018 It was taken to a federal wildlife health lab in Madison, Wisconsin, for a necropsy. — John Flesher, The Seattle Times, "Wolf taken to Isle Royale National Park this fall dies," 14 Nov. 2018 The necropsy found an ulcer in the wall of the animal's stomach that ultimately led to peritonitis. — Luis Andres Henao, Fox News, "Giraffe, rhino deaths raise alarm at former Buenos Aires zoo," 22 Aug. 2018 Cause of death is undetermined, a necropsy performed by local VCA Animal Hospital. — Matt Rocheleau, BostonGlobe.com, "The details of 40 animal deaths, injuries, losses aboard US airlines," 15 Mar. 2018 The cause of death initially was reported as a rare muscle disease by the facility after a necropsy (autopsy) by the facility’s veterinarians was completed. — Bayan Wang, azcentral, "Report: Alia the bottlenose dolphin died of a bacterial infection," 29 June 2018 Alaska Airlines management personnel informed the owners and were given approval to conduct a necropsy. — Matt Rocheleau, BostonGlobe.com, "The details of 40 animal deaths, injuries, losses aboard US airlines," 15 Mar. 2018 The rare pygmy sperm whale that washed up on an Ipswich beach and later died will be taken to the New England Aquarium for an necropsy, an official said. — BostonGlobe.com, "Necropsy planned for rare pygmy sperm whale found on Ipswich beach," 13 June 2018 Authorities conducted a necropsy, which is essentially an autopsy for animals, and found Nola had suffered a broken leg, broken jaw and a broken spine. — Jay R. Jordan, Houston Chronicle, "Police searching for man they say killed girlfriend’s pet lizard," 30 May 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'necropsy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.