vivisection

[ viv-uh-sek-shuh n ]
/ ˌvɪv əˈsɛk ʃən /

noun

the action of cutting into or dissecting a living body.
the practice of subjecting living animals to cutting operations, especially in order to advance physiological and pathological knowledge.

Origin of vivisection

First recorded in 1700–10; vivi- + section

OTHER WORDS FROM vivisection

viv·i·sec·tion·al, adjective viv·i·sec·tion·al·ly, adverb

Words nearby vivisection

Example sentences from the Web for vivisection

British Dictionary definitions for vivisection

vivisection
/ (ˌvɪvɪˈsɛkʃən) /

noun

the act or practice of performing experiments on living animals, involving cutting into or dissecting the body

Derived forms of vivisection

vivisectional, adjective vivisectionally, adverb

Word Origin for vivisection

C18: from vivi-, from Latin vīvus living + section, as in dissection

Medical definitions for vivisection

vivisection
[ vĭv′ĭ-sĕkshən, vĭvĭ-sĕk′- ]

n.

The act or practice of cutting into or performing surgery on living animals for the purpose of scientific research.

Other words from vivisection

viv′i•section•ist n.

Scientific definitions for vivisection

vivisection
[ vĭv′ĭ-sĕkshən ]

The practice of examining internal organs and tissues by cutting into or dissecting a living animal, especially for the purpose of scientific research.

Cultural definitions for vivisection

vivisection
[ (viv-uh-sek-shuhn, viv-uh-sek-shuhn) ]

The cutting up or dissection of animals, including anesthetized live animals, in scientific research. Vivisection is also a general term for the use of animals as subjects in laboratory experiments, especially in the development of new medical techniques and drugs.

notes for vivisection

Vivisection, as well as the general use of animals in medical research, is a target of protest by animal rights advocates.