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Definition of vivisector

vivisector

/ˈvɪv.əˌsɛk.tɚ/
viv · i · sec · tor
Plural:vivisectors
•
Adjective:vivisectional
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vivisector Lexical Profile

vivisector Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who performs surgical operations or physiological experiments on living animals for scientific or medical research.

Example

"During the nineteenth century, the renowned physiologist faced intense public scrutiny from activists who labeled him a callous vivisector."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In contemporary usage, the term is often used pejoratively by animal rights advocates rather than by laboratory researchers themselves.

• Nearby Words

vividly
vividness
vivisect
vivisector
vixen
vizcacha
viña del mar

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-19th century as a back-formation from "vivisection," ultimately deriving from the Latin "vivus" (living) and "secare" (to cut).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vivisector. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 2, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vivisector
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