dissect

 
Pronunciation: /dʌɪˈsɛkt, dɪ-/

verb

[with object]
  • methodically cut up (a body or plant) in order to study its internal parts: an animal’s eye can be easily dissected
  • analyse (a text or idea) in minute detail: he dissected the Prime Minister’s statement and revealed the truth behind it

Derivatives

dissector

noun

Origin:

late 16th century: from Latin dissect- 'cut up', from the verb dissecare, from dis- 'apart' + secare 'to cut'

Spelling help

Remember that dissect and the related word dissection have a double s.

she dissected several specimens.