dissected; dissecting; dissects
1
: to separate into pieces : expose the several parts of (something, such as an animal) for scientific examination
dissect an earthworm
dissecting flowers
2
: to analyze and interpret minutely
dissect a problem
: to make a dissection
Synonyms
Examples of dissect in a Sentence
We dissected a frog in science class.
She dissected each point of his argument.
We dissected the poem in class.
The city is dissected by a network of highways.
Recent Examples on the Web
From heart-to-heart chats with incredible guests to dissecting the latest trends and navigating life’s quirks, every episode is full of laughter, and inspiration.
—
Okla Jones, Essence, 6 June 2024
Early on Watson employs the techniques of his partner for sizing a person up with a single glance and delivering a classic, dispassionate autopsy dissecting their finer and lesser points.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 5 June 2024
While plenty of viewers delight in dissecting the fashion choices made by their favorite A-listers, others have bristled at the evening’s opulence.
—Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 7 May 2024
Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills.
—Bram Sable-Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissect 
Okla Jones, Essence, 6 June 2024
Early on Watson employs the techniques of his partner for sizing a person up with a single glance and delivering a classic, dispassionate autopsy dissecting their finer and lesser points.
—Christopher Smith, Orange County Register, 5 June 2024
While plenty of viewers delight in dissecting the fashion choices made by their favorite A-listers, others have bristled at the evening’s opulence.
—Callie Holtermann, New York Times, 7 May 2024
Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills.
—Bram Sable-Smith, CBS News, 24 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for dissect
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'dissect.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near dissect
Cite this Entry
“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissect. Accessed 12 Jun. 2024.
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Medical Definition
dissect
transitive verb
dis·sect
dis-ˈekt; dī-ˈsekt 
ˈdī-ˌ
ˈdī-ˌ
: to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts of (as an animal or a cadaver) for scientific examination
specifically
: to separate or follow along natural lines of cleavage (as through connective tissue)
dissect out the regional lymph nodes
a dissecting aneurysm
: to make a medical dissection
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