[viv.i.sec.tion] n [L vivus + E section] (1707) 1: the cutting of or operation on a living animal usu. for physiological or pathological investigation; broadly: animal experimentation esp. if considered to cause distress to the subject
2: minute or pitiless examination or criticism -- viv.i.sec.tion.al adj -- viv.i.sec.tion.ist n