Dis-sēct′, v. t.

v. t. [imp. & p. p. DISSECTED; p. pr. & vb. n. DISSECTING.] [Lat. dissecare, dissectum, from prefix dis and secare, to cut; Sp. disecar, Fr. disséquer.]

1. To cut in pieces; to divide with a cutting instrument, by separating the joints; to cut in pieces, as an animal or vegetable, for the purpose of examining the structure and use of its several parts; to anatomize.
2. To analyze into its constituent parts, for the purposes of science or criticism.

This paragraph . . . I have dissected for a sample. Atterbury.