anatomy

n. the scientific study of the physical structure of animals, plants, or humans.

n. the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection.

“In the first year of medical school, students spend many hours studying human anatomy.”

“The professor emphasized that a profound understanding of comparative anatomy is essential for identifying evolutionary links between disparate species.”

n. the way a body or a part of a body is put together.

n. the physical structure or organization of a specific organism or one of its parts.

“The unique anatomy of a bird's wing allows it to fly long distances.”

“Researchers are investigating how the unique anatomy of the deep-sea squid allows it to withstand immense pressure without collapsing.”

n. a careful and detailed examination of how something is organized or how it works.

n. a detailed examination or analysis of the internal workings or structure of a complex, often non-physical, subject.

“The journalist wrote a brilliant anatomy of the political scandal.”

“Her latest book provides a clinical anatomy of the financial crisis, tracing the collapse from the initial housing bubble to the global recession.”

Academic · Formal

n. a person's physical body.

n. the physical form or body of an individual, sometimes used as a humorous or polite way to refer to specific body parts.

“He was quite proud of his muscular anatomy after months at the gym.”

“The comedian made several self-deprecating jokes about his own aging anatomy and his inability to touch his toes anymore.”

Humorous · Informal