vivisection

/ˌvɪvɪˈsɛkʃən/
noun
  1. The practice of performing surgery or experiments on living animals for scientific research.
    • Advances in computer modeling have reduced the need for vivisection in some areas of medical research.
    • The university's biology department has strict rules about the use of vivisection in its labs.
    • Many people protest against vivisection because they believe it causes unnecessary suffering to animals.
  2. A figurative term for any harsh or invasive analysis or dissection of something, such as an idea or system.
    • In the debate, the speaker subjected the opponent's argument to a ruthless vivisection.
    • The critic's review was a vivisection of the film, pointing out every flaw in the plot.
    • The journalist performed a vivisection of the company's financial records, exposing years of mismanagement.
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