autopsy
|au-top-sy|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈɔː.tɑːp.si/
🇬🇧
/ˈɔː.tɒp.si/
post-mortem examination
Etymology
Etymology Information
'autopsy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autopsia,' where 'auto-' meant 'self' and '-opsis' meant 'sight.'
Historical Evolution
'autopsia' transformed into the Latin word 'autopsia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'autopsy' through Middle English.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'seeing with one's own eyes,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'post-mortem examination.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a post-mortem examination to discover the cause of death or the extent of disease.
The autopsy revealed the cause of death was a heart attack.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39