A‐nat″o‐my (�), n.; pl.Anatomies (�). [F. anatomie, L. anatomia, Gr. � dissection, fr. � to cut up; � + � to cut.] 1. The art of dissecting, or artificially separating the different parts of any organized body, to discover their situation, structure, and economy; dissection.
2. The science which treats of the structure of organic bodies; anatomical structure or organization.
Let the muscles be well inserted and bound together, according to the knowledge of them which is given us by anatomy.
Dryden.
☞ “Animal anatomy” is sometimes called zomy; “vegetable anatomy,” phytotomy; “human anatomy,” anthropotomy.
Comparative anatomy compares the structure of different kinds and classes of animals.
3. A treatise or book on anatomy.
4. The act of dividing anything, corporeal or intellectual, for the purpose of examining its parts; analysis; as, the anatomy of a discourse.
5. A skeleton; anything anatomized or dissected, or which has the appearance of being so.
The anatomy of a little child, representing all parts thereof, is accounted a greater rarity than the skeleton of a man in full stature.
Fuller.
They brought one Pinch, a hungry, lean-faced villain,
A mere anatomy.
Shak.