dissection

noun

dis·​sec·​tion dī-ˈsek-shən How to pronounce dissection (audio)
also
di- How to pronounce dissection (audio) ˈdī-ˌsek- How to pronounce dissection (audio)
Synonyms of dissectionnext
1
: the act or process of dissecting : the state of being dissected
2
: an anatomical specimen prepared by dissecting

Synonyms of dissection

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Examples of dissection in a Sentence

the book's dissection of the problem of obesity in this country
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sudden neck movements can contribute to this injury, and there have been case reports of dissections following roller coaster rides. — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2026 The brouhaha offers many avenues for discourse and cultural dissection. — Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2026 Documentarian Alex Gibney is no stranger to dissections of corrupting power — from his feature dives into Enron, Elizabeth Holmes and Scientology. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2026 Most people reckoned Graham would continue serving into his dotage before his unexpected death in July of an aortic dissection. — Kathleen Parker, Washington Post, 8 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for dissection

Word History

First Known Use

1578, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissection was in 1578

Rhymes for dissection

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Browse Nearby Words

dissecting room
dissection
dissectional
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Cite this Entry

“Dissection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissection. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

dissection

noun
dis·​sec·​tion -ˈsek-shən How to pronounce dissection (audio)
-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- How to pronounce dissection (audio) ˈdī-ˌ How to pronounce dissection (audio)
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
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