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Definition of anatomy

anatomy

/əˈnæt.ə.mi/
a · nat · o · my

Adverb:anatomically
•
Plural:anatomies
•
Adjective:anatomical
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anatomy Lexical Profile

anatomy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms, especially as revealed by dissection and the separation of parts.

Example

"First-year medical students spend hours studying human anatomy in the laboratory."


2

The bodily structure of a plant or animal, or the human body itself.

Example

"The documentary explained how the bird's unique anatomy allows it to hover in midair."


3

A detailed examination or analysis of the structure or intricate workings of a subject or event.

Example

"The historian's latest book offers a fascinating anatomy of a political crisis."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for anatomy

Word Nuance & Usage

'Anatomy' refers to the physical structure of an organism, whereas 'physiology' refers to the biological functions and processes of those parts.

• Rhymes for anatomy

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed via Old French or Late Latin 'anatomia' from Ancient Greek 'anatomē' ('dissection'), formed from 'ana-' ('up') and 'temnein' ('to cut').

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Anatomy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/anatomy
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