'autopsy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autopsia', where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'opsis' meant 'sight'.

'autopsy' changed from the Greek word 'autopsia' (adopted into Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'autopsia') and through Middle English forms (e.g. 'autopsie') eventually became the modern English word 'autopsy'.

Initially, it meant 'seeing with one's own eyes', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'examination of a dead body to determine cause of death'.