Autopsy

/ˈɔːtɒpsi/

Meaning & Definition

noun

An examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

The autopsy revealed that the victim had suffered a fatal heart attack.

An analysis or discussion of an event or situation after it has ended, with the intent to understand what happened.

The team conducted an autopsy on the project to identify what went wrong.

The practice or process of examining something in detail, especially an examination of a situation.

After the scandal, the administration held an autopsy to evaluate their response.

From the Greek 'autopsia', meaning 'seeing for oneself'.

post-mortem

An analysis after an event to determine its success or failure.

autopsy results

The findings from a medical examination of a deceased body.

necropsy

Another term for an autopsy, usually applied to animals.

biopsy

A medical test involving the removal of cells or tissues for examination.

A thorough analysis of a mistake or failure, often used in a humorous context.

We performed an autopsy on the failed event and realized we missed the marketing.