Meaning & Definition of word "Anatomy"

Anatomy

/əˈnætəmi/

noun:

  • 1. The study of the structure of living organisms, particularly their internal parts.
    • Example: She decided to specialize in human anatomy during her medical studies.
  • 2. The structural organization of an organism, including its systems and organs.
    • Example: Understanding the anatomy of the heart is crucial for cardiac surgeons.
  • 3. The branch of biology concerned with the identification and description of the physical structure of organisms.
    • Example: Anatomy is essential for understanding physiology and how different body systems interact.
  • 4. A dissection or a detailed examination of the structure of an organism.
    • Example: The students observed the anatomy of the frog during their biology lab.
  • 5. The specific structure or arrangement of parts within a particular organism or system.
    • Example: The anatomy of the eye is complex, involving multiple structures that work together for vision.

Etymology

From the Greek 'anatomia', meaning 'dissection'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

functional anatomy:

The study of anatomical structures in relation to their function within the body.

topographical anatomy:

The study of the anatomy of various regions of the body.

anatomy of a literary work:

An analysis of the structural elements of a piece of writing.

Related Words

physiology:

The branch of biology that deals with the normal functions of living organisms and their parts.

dissection:

The action of dissecting a body or plant to study its internal parts.

morphology:

The branch of biology concerned with the form and structure of organisms.

Slang Meanings of anatomy

Meaning: A humorous way to refer to a person's body.

Example Sentence: Check out the anatomy on that athlete!

Meaning: An informally referred study of the body's parts used in discussions about health.

Example Sentence: We were just having a little anatomy chat about fitness.