də̇ˈsekt also ÷(ˈ)dī|s- verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Latin dissectus, past participle of dissecare to cut apart, from dis- apart + secare to cut — more at dis- , saw
transitive verb
1. : to divide or separate into parts
2.
a. : to cut so as to separate into pieces or to expose the several parts and their locations and connections especially with precision and deftness 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
b. : to divide and separate into different phases, items, or parts and to examine, interpret, or evaluate minutely
dissecting the claims of John Quincy Adams to the support of abolitionists — William MacDonald
those words which it is the business of criticism to dissect and reassemble — T.S.Eliot
c. : to cut or divide (land) into hills and ridges with valleys between — used especially of a river
d. : to break up for colors in printing
3. : to separate out for special attention or different treatment or consideration : isolate out — used with out
pupils … often could not dissect out the subject or object in a Miltonic sentence — H.R.Warfel
intransitive verb
1. : to make a medical dissection
2. : to analyze and evaluate something in great detail
Synonyms: see analyze