The word "vivisection" is spelled with three syllables, pronounced as /vɪvɪˈsɛkʃən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound, followed by a stressed syllable with a long "i" sound. The final syllable is pronounced with a "sh" sound, represented by the letter combination "ct" and an unstressed "ən" sound. Vivisection refers to the practice of conducting surgery on live animals for scientific research purposes. It is a controversial practice that has sparked ethical debates.
Vivisection is a noun that refers to the dissection or experimentation on living animals, typically with the purpose of scientific or medical research. It involves the act of cutting into or manipulating the body of a living organism, often under anesthesia, to observe and analyze its physiological processes, organs, or tissues, or to conduct experiments for various purposes.
The term is derived from the Latin words "vivus," meaning "alive," and "sectio," which translates to "cutting." Vivisection may involve invasive techniques such as surgery, injections, or the removal of tissues for examination. It is often practiced in laboratories, particularly in the fields of biology, physiology, pharmacology, and medicine, to further our understanding of the functioning and diseases of living organisms, including humans.
Vivisection has been a subject of ethical debate and controversy due to concerns about animal welfare and the potential for unnecessary harm. Advocates argue that it has contributed significantly to scientific advancements, leading to medical treatments, surgeries, and the development of drugs that benefit both human and animal health. However, opponents argue that the practice is cruel, inhumane, and that alternatives such as computer simulations, tissue cultures, or human-based research methods should be explored further to reduce the use of animals in experimentation.
Overall, vivisection is a complex topic that encompasses both scientific progress and ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare.
Any cutting operation on a living animal for purposes of experimentation; extended to denote any form of animal experimentation.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The dissection of an animal while alive; physiological experiments on living animals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "vivisection" originated from the Latin roots "vivus", meaning "alive", and "sectio", meaning "cutting" or "sectioning". In Latin, it referred to the dissection or cutting of living organisms or tissues for anatomical research or study. The term was first introduced in the 17th century and later evolved to specifically denote the practice of performing surgical procedures on live animals for scientific experimentation and observation, often without anesthesia. Today, "vivisection" is frequently used in the context of animal experimentation.