n.
Pronunciation: ˌ vi-v ə - ' sek-sh ə n, ' vi-v ə - ˌ
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin vivus + English section
Date: 1707
1 : the cutting of or operation on a living animal usually for physiological or pathological investigation broadly : animal experimentation especially if considered to cause distress to the subject
2 : minute or pitiless examination or criticism
– viv · i · sec · tion · al \ ˌ vi-v ə - ' sek-shn ə l, -sh ə -n ə l \ adjective
– viv · i · sec · tion · ist \ - ' sek-sh( ə -)nist \ noun