anatomy

UK: əˈnætəmi | US: əˈnætəmi

Definition
  1. n. the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of organisms

  2. n. a detailed examination or analysis of a subject or structure

Structure
ana <up>tomy <cutting>
Etymology

anatomy = ana<up> + tomy<cutting>

  • ana (Greek "ana"): meaning "up," "through," or "back"
  • tomy (Greek "tomia"): meaning "cutting" or "dissection"

Etymology Origin:
The word "anatomy" originates from Greek "anatomē," combining "ana" (up/through) and "tomē" (cutting). It originally referred to the dissection of organisms to study their internal structures. Over time, it expanded metaphorically to mean any detailed analysis of a complex subject. The logic reflects the literal act of "cutting through" to reveal underlying layers.

Examples
  1. The professor taught human anatomy to medical students.

  2. Her essay provided a thorough anatomy of the political crisis.

  3. Comparative anatomy reveals evolutionary relationships between species.

  4. The book dissects the anatomy of a successful business model.

  5. Advanced imaging techniques reduce the need for physical anatomy studies.