dissect

verb

dis·​sect dī-ˈsekt How to pronounce dissect (audio)
also
di- How to pronounce dissect (audio) ˈdī-ˌsekt How to pronounce dissect (audio)
dissected; dissecting; dissects

transitive verb

1
: to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (something, such as an animal) for scientific examination
dissect an earthworm
dissecting flowers
2
: to analyze and interpret minutely
dissect a problem
dissector
dī-ˈsek-tər
also
di- How to pronounce dissect (audio)
ˈdī-ˌsek-
noun
Choose the Right Synonym for dissect

analyze, dissect, break down mean to divide a complex whole into its parts or elements.

analyze suggests separating or distinguishing the component parts of something (such as a substance, a process, a situation) so as to discover its true nature or inner relationships.

analyzed the collected data

dissect suggests a searching analysis by laying bare parts or pieces for individual scrutiny.

commentators dissected every word of the speech

break down implies a reducing to simpler parts or divisions.

break down the budget

Examples of dissect in a Sentence

We dissected a frog in science class. She dissected each point of his argument. We dissected the poem in class. The city is dissected by a network of highways.
Recent Examples on the Web At her husband’s suggestion, Schultz then bought mulch at Lowe’s to cover the ground and followed that up with steppingstones that dissect the length of the garden. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2024 All of this leads to a sad truth: No matter what photo emerges next—even if the Princess of Wales is presented without a wound, wrinkle, or frown in sight, and the picture’s provenance is entirely uncontested—it will inevitably be dissected. Hillary Kelly, The Atlantic, 14 Mar. 2024 The Republic's two national politics reporters dissect the approach and positions of the candidates eyeing the open seat and discuss who has a chance of winning the primary in August. Amanda Luberto, The Arizona Republic, 13 Mar. 2024 At the news conference, Clarke and his law partner, Jade Mathis, dissected the actions of Jay and the officer who killed him. Katie Mettler, Washington Post, 7 Mar. 2024 Despite this, specialists were able to dissect it into eight sections for careful restoration. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 6 Mar. 2024 Speaking with The Hollywood Reporter two days after the finale aired, López waxes about the veritable true detectives who spent the past six weeks dissecting True Detective online, locating and unlocking massive pieces of the puzzle along the way. Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Feb. 2024 Industry analysts are dissecting the data, seeking to shed more light on how consumers are feeling, particularly after the government reported a significant decline in consumer spending last month. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 20 Feb. 2024 Both players have battled notable injuries, and Jackson’s uneven 2023 will need to be thoroughly dissected before a decision is made on him. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 12 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare to cut apart, from dis- + secare to cut — more at saw

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dissect was in 1598

Dictionary Entries Near dissect

Cite this Entry

“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissect. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dissect

verb
1
: to cut up (as a plant or animal) into separate parts for examination and study
2
: to make a careful examination of
dissect a problem
Etymology

from Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare "to cut apart," from dis- "apart" and secare "to cut" — related to insect, section

Medical Definition

dissect

transitive verb
: to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts of (as an animal or a cadaver) for scientific examination
specifically : to separate or follow along natural lines of cleavage (as through connective tissue)
dissect out the regional lymph nodes
a dissecting aneurysm

intransitive verb

: to make a medical dissection
dissector noun

More from Merriam-Webster on dissect

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