Word
dissection
Phoneticsdis·sec·tion, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdaɪsɛkʃən/
UK/daɪsˈɛkʃən/
Definitions
01anatomical study
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. the act of cutting open a plant or animal body to study its parts.
n. the process of cutting apart an organism or tissue to examine its internal structure for scientific or medical purposes.
“In biology class, we performed a dissection of a frog to see its heart.”
“The medical students spent the morning performing a careful dissection of the thoracic cavity to identify the major arteries.”
Usage
Often used with the preposition 'of'.
02detailed analysis
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Academic
n. a very careful and detailed examination of a piece of writing, an idea, or an event.
n. a minute and critical examination or analysis of a concept, text, or situation.
“The journalist's dissection of the new law showed many hidden problems.”
“The professor's thorough dissection of the poem revealed layers of meaning that the students had completely overlooked.”
Usage
Commonly used in academic or critical contexts to describe intellectual work.
03surgical removal
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Medicine Technical · Formal
n. the surgical removal of a part of the body, such as a tumor or lymph nodes.
n. the surgical excision or removal of tissue, often used in the context of oncology.
“The surgeon recommended a neck dissection to remove the affected lymph nodes.”
“Following the diagnosis, the patient underwent a radical dissection to ensure that all malignant tissue was successfully removed.”
Usage
Typically found in surgical reports and medical literature.
Real-World Examples
“First up, it’s former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis for a hugely entertaining tour of his career, dissection of democracy and attempt to apply some long-term thinking to the UK.” “Since the publication of De Humani Corporis Fabrica by Andreas Vesalius in 1543 – the first comprehensive anatomy book based on direct observation of human dissection – anatomy has carried an air of authority.” “Reëmerge!), this is an organ that takes its understanding of the arts as seriously as it takes its dissections of current affairs.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dissectiōnem, perhaps via Middle French dissection. By surface analysis, dissect + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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