autopsy
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈɔːtɒpsi/
KK: /ˈɔːtɑːpsi/
noun
Definition
An examination of a dead body to find out the cause of death or to study the effects of disease.
Example
The doctor performed an autopsy to determine how the patient died.
Conversation
Did you hear about the autopsy they performed on that famous musician?
Yeah, I read that they were trying to find out what really happened to him.
It's sad to think that it had to come to an autopsy for the truth to come out.
I know, but at least it might help others understand the risks involved.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
necropsy
postmortem
examination
Antonyms
birth
creation
origination
transitive verb
Definition
To examine a body after death to determine the cause of death or to study the effects of disease.
Example
The doctor will autopsy the deceased to find out what happened.
Tense Forms
Past: autopsied
Past Participle: autopsied
Conversation
Did you hear about that mysterious case in town?
Yeah, I heard they might autopsy the body to find out what happened.
That sounds intense! I hope they figure it out soon.
Root Explanation
Autopsy → It is formed from "auto-" (from Greek "αὐτός", meaning self) and "opsis" (from Greek "ὄψις", meaning sight or view). The word "autopsy" refers to the act of seeing for oneself, particularly in the context of examining a body after death to determine the cause of death.
Memory Tip
Think of 'seeing for oneself' ('auto-') in order to understand what happened ('opsis'). This helps you remember that an autopsy is a personal examination to discover the truth about a death.
Visually Confused Words
topsy
atopy