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

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.
Chris Johnson in the hospital after an aortic dissection. Kerry Breen, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026 Additionally, Osborne said women, in particular, are at greater risk of experiencing spontaneous coronary artery dissection (SCAD), which is a leading cause of heart attacks in women under 50 and is prevalent among women who don’t display traditional risk factors for heart disease. Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 30 Jan. 2026 The canniest fictional dissection of femininity and the panopticon of social media arrives this spring in Yesteryear (Knopf), a rollicking satirical debut from Caro Claire Burke. Chloe Schama, Vogue, 24 Jan. 2026 Clark coached San Pasqual for most of the 2023 season after Corley suffered an aortic dissection following the first game. John Maffei, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 Jan. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Dissection.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissection. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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
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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