The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dissect \Dis*sect"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Dissected; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Dissecting.] [L. dissectus, p. p. of dissecare; dis-
   + secare to cut. See Section.]
   1. (Anat.) To divide into separate parts; to cut in pieces;
      to separate and expose the parts of, as an animal or a
      plant, for examination and to show their structure and
      relations; to anatomize.
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   2. To analyze, for the purposes of science or criticism; to
      divide and examine minutely.
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            This paragraph . . . I have dissected for a sample.
                                                  --Atterbury.
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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Dissecting \Dis*sect"ing\, a.
   1. Dividing or separating the parts of an animal or vegetable
      body; as, a dissecting aneurism, one which makes its way
      between or within the coats of an artery.
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   2. Of or pertaining to, or received during, a dissection; as,
      a dissecting wound.
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   3. Used for or in dissecting; as, a dissecting knife; a
      dissecting microscope.
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