Emily Dickinson Lexicon

DIS-SECT', v.t. [L. disseco, dissectus; dis and seco, to cut; Fr. dissequer.]

1. To cut in pieces; to divide an animal body, with a cutting instrument, by separating the joints; as, to dissect a fowl. Hence appropriately,
2. To cut in pieces, as an animal or vegetable, for the purpose of examining the structure and use of its several parts; to anatomize. Also, to open any part of a body to observe its morbid appearances, or to ascertain the cause of death or the seat of a disease.
3. To divide into its constituent parts, for the purpose of examination; as, dissect your hand; dissect a paragraph. – Roscommon. Pope.