Definition

1. Noun:
   • The scientific study of the structure of living organisms: "Anatomy" is the branch of biology concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living beings, typically as revealed by dissection.
   • The bodily structure of an organism: "Anatomy" can refer to the physical makeup and arrangement of parts within a plant, animal, or human body.
   • A detailed analysis or examination of something: In a figurative sense, "anatomy" can mean a detailed study or dissection of the elements of a non-physical subject.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She is a professor of human anatomy. (She teaches the scientific study of the human body's structure.)
  • The anatomy of a frog is different from that of a bird. (The physical structure of a frog is different from a bird's.)
  • The book provides an anatomy of political power in the 20th century. (The book provides a detailed analysis of political power.)

Advanced Usage

• "Comparative anatomy": the study of similarities and differences in the anatomy of different species.
  • Comparative anatomy helps scientists understand evolutionary relationships.
• "Gross anatomy": the study of anatomical structures visible to the naked eye, typically through dissection.
  • Medical students begin with courses in gross anatomy.
• "Surgical anatomy": the study of anatomical structure as it relates to surgical practice.
  • Knowledge of surgical anatomy is crucial for any surgeon.

Variants and Related Words

• Anatomist (n): a person who specializes in anatomy.
  • The famous anatomist published a detailed atlas of the human body.
• Anatomize (v): to dissect or analyze in minute detail.
  • The critic proceeded to anatomize the film's plot.
• Anatomical (adj): relating to bodily structure.
  • The museum has a collection of anatomical models.

Synonyms

• Structure: the arrangement of parts.
• Dissection: the action of dissecting a body or plant to study its internal parts; also used figuratively for analysis.
• Physique: the form, size, and development of a person's body (a synonym primarily for the "bodily structure" sense).

Related Phrases

• "Know the anatomy of": to understand the detailed structure or workings of something.
  • To fix the engine, you need to know the anatomy of the machine.
• "Lay bare the anatomy of": to reveal the fundamental structure or truth of something.
  • The investigation laid bare the anatomy of the corruption scandal.

Noun

1. a detailed analysis
   • he studied the anatomy of crimes
2. alternative names for the body of a human being
   • Leonardo studied the human body
   • he has a strong physique
   • the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak
3. the branch of morphology that deals with the structure of animals