Pronunciation: [ˈanɐtəmˌa͡ɪz] (IPA) 
The word "anatomise" can be spelled with either an "s" or a "z" depending on dialect. In American English, it is spelled "anatomize" with a "z" sound, while in British English, it is spelled "anatomise" with an "s" sound. The IPA phonetic transcription for "anatomise" is /əˈnætəmaɪz/, with the stress on the second syllable. This word means to dissect or examine in detail the structure of an organism or a system.
The verb "anatomise" refers to the act of systematically examining or analyzing something, especially in a detailed and thorough manner, in order to understand its structure, parts, or components. It is often used in the context of dissecting and studying the various elements or features of living organisms, including humans, animals, or plants, to gain insight into their physical composition, functions, and relationships.
When applied to a biological or medical context, anatomising typically involves carefully and methodically breaking down the body or an organ into its constituent parts, such as tissues, organs, or systems, to study their individual characteristics and their interactions with one another. This can involve cutting, sectioning, or examining specimens and conducting investigations to identify and understand the intricate workings and structures that underlie their formation and functioning.
However, the term "anatomise" can also be employed figuratively to describe the process of analyzing or dissecting anything complex or intricate, beyond the realm of biology. It can involve exploring the elements, principles, or components that make up a certain concept, system, or phenomenon to comprehend its underlying structure, mechanisms, or intricacies. In this sense, anatomising assists in the systematic examination, understanding, and breakdown of various subjects, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of their individual parts, their relations, and their overall significance.
To separate the parts of an animal body.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "anatomise" has its origins in the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek word "anatome", which means "dissection" or "cutting up". The term "anatome" is a combination of the Greek words "ana", meaning "up" or "back", and "tome", meaning "a cutting". "Anatomise" was first used in English in the early 17th century, primarily in the field of medicine to describe the process of dissecting or examining the internal structure of a body or organism.
