anatomy: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal, academic, technical, medical. Also used metaphorically in general discourse.
Quick answer
What does “anatomy” mean?
The scientific study of the physical structure and organisation of living things, especially by dissection.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The scientific study of the physical structure and organisation of living things, especially by dissection.
The detailed structure of a particular organism, organ, or object; a detailed analysis of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in meaning. UK English retains more classical pronunciation influence; US English may show slightly more metaphorical use.
Connotations
Strongly associated with medicine and biology in both. Metaphorical use ('anatomy of a crisis') is equally understood.
Frequency
Equally common in academic/medical contexts. Metaphorical use slightly more frequent in US journalism and analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “anatomy” in a Sentence
the anatomy of [NOUN PHRASE] (e.g., the anatomy of a frog, the anatomy of failure)[Adjective] anatomy (e.g., human anatomy, microscopic anatomy)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “anatomy” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The critic sought to anatomise the flaws in the government's policy.
American English
- The report anatomizes the causes of the economic downturn.
adverb
British English
- The organs were arranged anatomically correctly in the model.
American English
- The system is anatomically similar to that found in primates.
adjective
British English
- The anatomical drawings by da Vinci are remarkably precise.
American English
- She has a deep anatomical knowledge of the avian wing.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically: 'We need to understand the anatomy of this supply chain failure.'
Academic
Core discipline in medicine/biology: 'The department offers a course in vertebrate anatomy.'
Everyday
Often limited to basic knowledge: 'I know enough anatomy to know where the liver is.'
Technical
Precise reference to biological structures: 'The surgical approach depends on the patient's vascular anatomy.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “anatomy”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “anatomy”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “anatomy”
- Mispronunciation: /ænə'tɒmi/ (incorrect stress). Confusion with 'autonomy'. Using as a verb (to 'anatomise' is the verb form).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. Its core meaning is biological. However, it is commonly used metaphorically to mean 'detailed structure or analysis' of anything complex (e.g., 'the anatomy of a machine', 'the anatomy of an argument').
Anatomy is the study of the structure and shape of body parts. Physiology is the study of how those parts function. Put simply: anatomy is about 'what it is and where it is'; physiology is about 'how it works'.
Not directly. The noun is 'anatomy'. The related verb is 'anatomise' (UK) / 'anatomize' (US), meaning 'to dissect or analyse in minute detail'.
It is grammatically possible but rare. It would be used when referring to the structural analyses of multiple different things (e.g., 'The book compares the anatomies of various mythologies'). In most cases, 'anatomy' is uncountable.
The scientific study of the physical structure and organisation of living things, especially by dissection.
Anatomy is usually formal, academic, technical, medical. also used metaphorically in general discourse. in register.
Anatomy: in British English it is pronounced /əˈnæt.ə.mi/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˈnæt̬.ə.mi/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “lay something bare to the anatomy (archaic)”
- “not know the first thing about the anatomy of (something) (informed idiom)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember: 'Ana' (up) + 'tomy' (cutting) from Greek. Anatomy is the study that involves 'cutting up' organisms to see their structure.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRUCTURE IS ANATOMY (e.g., 'the anatomy of an argument' treats an abstract concept as a physical body with interrelated parts).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'anatomy' used metaphorically?