Definition

To perform surgery on a living organism for experimental purposes, often to study physiological processes.

Example

Scientists may vivisect animals to understand how their bodies work under stress.

Tense Forms

Conversation

I heard some scientists vivisect animals for research purposes.

That sounds really controversial and harsh, doesn't it?

Yeah, it raises a lot of ethical questions about animal rights.

Absolutely, I think there should be stricter regulations on that practice.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Definition

To perform surgery or medical experiments on a living animal, usually for research purposes.

Example

The scientist decided to vivisect the frog to study its nervous system.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Have you ever heard of someone who had to vivisect animals for research?

Yeah, it's pretty controversial, isn't it?

I can't believe they actually vivisect living creatures just for experiments.

Root Explanation

Vivisect → It is formed from "vivus" (meaning alive) and "sectio" (meaning cutting). The word "vivisect" refers to the act of cutting into or dissecting a living organism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'alive' ('vivus') and 'cutting' ('sectio') to remember that 'vivisect' means to cut into something that is still living.

Visually Confused Words