ENGLISH
REFERENCE

anatomy

n.
US //əˈnætəmi// UK //ɐnˈætəmi// anato·my
  1. 1 scientific study (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Science

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

    Usage

    Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.
  2. 2 physical structure (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Researchers are investigating how the unique anatomy of the deep-sea squid allows it to withstand immense pressure without collapsing.
  3. 3 detailed analysis (n.)
    C1 Advanced Academic Formal

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

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

    Example

    The journalist wrote a brilliant anatomy of the political scandal.

    Example

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

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is metaphorical; it treats a social or political event as if it were a body being dissected for study.
  4. 4 the human body (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Humorous Informal

    a person's physical body.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From Middle English anatomie, from Old French anatomie, from Latin anatomia, from Ancient Greek ἀνατομία (anatomía), from ἀνατομή (anatomḗ, “dissection”, literally “cutting up”), from ἀνά (aná, “up”) + τέμνω (témnō, “to cut, incise”). By surface analysis, ana- + -tomy. Doublet of ottomy.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Word family

Last updated June 20, 2026