# anatomy

/əˈnætəmi/ (US) · /ɐnˈætəmi/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anatomy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. scientific study

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Often used as an uncountable noun when referring to the field of study.

### 2. physical structure

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. detailed analysis

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

Teaching tip: This sense is metaphorical; it treats a social or political event as if it were a body being dissected for study.

### 4. the human body

noun · CEFR C2 · Humorous · Informal

a person's physical body.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- The students are studying human anatomy in their science class.
- The artist spent years studying human anatomy to ensure the muscles in his sculptures looked realistic.
- By examining the anatomy of the failed merger, the analysts identified several key points where communication between the two corporate boards had completely broken down.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.