The word "vivisect" is a verb that means to perform surgical procedures on live animals for scientific or medical research purposes. Its spelling can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as /ˈvɪvɪsɛkt/. The first syllable is stressed, with the "v" and "i" sounds being pronounced separately. The second syllable has a short "i" sound followed by a "v" sound. The final syllable has a short "e" sound, followed by a "k" sound and a voiceless "t" sound.
The term "vivisect" refers to the act of conducting an invasive surgical procedure or experimental dissection on a living organism, typically an animal, for the purpose of scientific research or discovery. Derived from the Latin words "vivus" (meaning alive) and "sectus" (meaning to cut), vivisection involves dissecting, operating, or otherwise manipulating a living creature, often without anesthesia.
Vivisecting serves as a means to study and understand bodily functions, reactions, and responses to external stimuli. This method is commonly employed in the fields of biology, physiology, and medicine, aiding in the advancement of human knowledge regarding anatomy, disease, and pharmacology.
However, vivisection remains a controversial topic due to ethical considerations and animal rights concerns. Opponents argue that subjecting living beings to pain, distress, and potential harm is unjustifiable. Animal welfare advocates have been actively campaigning for alternative research methods to minimize or eliminate reliance on vivisection, such as in vitro studies, computer modeling, and non-invasive imaging techniques. Although regulations and guidelines exist to ensure the humane treatment of research animals, debates surrounding the necessity and ethical implications of vivisection continue.
In summary, vivisect refers to the act of dissecting a living organism, normally an animal, for scientific investigation or experimentation. It is a contentious practice with proponents arguing for its contributions to scientific discoveries and opponents highlighting ethical concerns related to animal welfare.
To practise vivisection.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "vivisect" derives from Latin. It is a combination of two Latin words, "vivus" meaning "alive" and "sectio" meaning "cutting" or "section". When combined, "vivisect" literally translates to "cutting or dissecting while alive". This term has been used historically to describe the dissection or surgical procedures performed on living animals for scientific or experimental purposes.