[viv-uh-sek-shuh
n] 
| 1. | the action of cutting into or dissecting a living body. |
| 2. | the practice of subjecting living animals to cutting operations, esp. in order to advance physiological and pathological knowledge. |
| viv·i·sec·tion (vĭv'ĭ-sěk'shən, vĭv'ĭ-sěk'-) n. The act or practice of cutting into or otherwise injuring living animals, especially for the purpose of scientific research. [Latin vīvus, alive; see vivify + (dis)section.] viv'i·sec'tion·al adj., viv'i·sec'tion·al·ly adv., viv'i·sec'tion·ist n. |
The cutting up or dissection of animals, including anesthetized live animals, in scientific research. Vivisection is also a general term for the use of animals as subjects in laboratory experiments, especially in the development of new medical techniques and drugs.
Note: Vivisection, as well as the general use of animals in medical research, is a target of protest by animal rights advocates.
vivisection viv·i·sec·tion (vĭv'ĭ-sěk'shən, vĭv'ĭ-sěk'-)
n.
The act or practice of cutting into or otherwise injuring living animals, especially for the purpose of scientific research.
| vivisection (vĭv'ĭ-sěk'shən) Pronunciation Key
The practice of examining internal organs and tissues by cutting into or dissecting a living animal, especially for the purpose of scientific research. |