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
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 their looks to the culture to the music, fans have been dissecting the film and its characters for any signs of real-life K-pop inspirations.
—
Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The hard part is dissecting a legend without soiling a mystery.
—Christopher Borrelli, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
The two were inseparable, and would convene each morning to dissect their dreams.
—David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Each participant spoke with reverence for the work of their peers, passionately dissecting its nuances not for the sake of criticism, but for the purpose of helping their fellow creative see their vision through.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
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Laura Sirikul, Forbes.com, 1 July 2025
The hard part is dissecting a legend without soiling a mystery.
—Christopher Borrelli, Boston Herald, 27 June 2025
The two were inseparable, and would convene each morning to dissect their dreams.
—David Sedaris, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
Each participant spoke with reverence for the work of their peers, passionately dissecting its nuances not for the sake of criticism, but for the purpose of helping their fellow creative see their vision through.
—Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 20 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for dissect
Cite this Entry
“Dissect.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dissect. Accessed 5 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
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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