verb

anatomize

uh-NAT-uh-mize/əˈnætəˌmaɪz/

To examine something by separating and studying its parts.

The scientist anatomizes the watch by examining its carefully separated components.

Scientist examines a mechanical watch separated into carefully arranged components.

Etymology

anaGreekup

+tomGreekto cut

+izeLatinverb-forming suffix

“Cutting up” first meant investigating a body by dissection. In the selected sense, that physical procedure becomes a method of analysis: separating something into parts to examine how it is put together.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain59:53

he had partially unveiled the face of nature but her Immortal lineaments were still a wonder and a mystery he might dissect anatomize and give names

1800s Fiction Audiobook: Mary Shelley - Frankenstein

More examples

The essay anatomizes the causes of the failed negotiation.
Earlier physicians anatomized bodies to improve their knowledge.
The critic is anatomizing every stage of the argument.

Forms

anatomize · anatomizes · anatomized · anatomizing

Similar words

dissect: The more usual term for physically separating anatomical structures.
analyze: Broader examination without necessarily separating physical parts.