Definition of 'autopsy'

Word Frequency

autopsy

(ɔːtɒpsi )

Word forms: plural autopsies

countable noun

An autopsy is an examination of a dead body by a doctor who cuts it open in order to try to discover the cause of death.

The autopsy report gave the cause of death as poisoning.

Synonyms: postmortem, dissection, postmortem examination, necropsy More Synonyms of autopsy

Video: pronunciation of 'autopsy'

Word Frequency

autopsy in British

(ˈɔːtəpsɪ , ɔːˈtɒp-)

noun plural -sies

1. Also called: necropsy, postmortem examination

dissection and examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death

an eyewitness observation

any critical analysis

Word origin of 'autopsy'

C17: from New Latin autopsia, from Greek: seeing with one's own eyes, from auto- + opsis sight

Word Frequency

autopsy in American

(ˈɔˌtɑpsi ; ôˈtäpˌsē; ˈɔtəpsi ; ôtˈəpsē)

nounWord forms: plural ˈauˌtopsies

an examination and dissection of a dead body to discover the cause of death, damage done by disease, etc.; postmortem

a detailed critical analysis of a book, play, etc., or of some event

verb transitiveWord forms: ˈauˌtopsied or ˈauˌtopsying

to examine (a body) in this manner

Word origin of 'autopsy'

ML & Gr autopsia, a seeing with one's own eyes < Gr autos, self + opsis, a sight < ōps, eye

Example sentences containing 'autopsy'

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An autopsy will be performed. Times, Sunday Times (2017)The autopsy showed no indication that anyone else was involved. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Police say foul play is not suspected and are awaiting autopsy and toxicology results. The Sun (2012)The medical examiner was conducting an autopsy yesterday. Times, Sunday Times (2006)The pathologist who wrote the autopsy report is now on extended leave. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Official autopsy results are not expected for weeks. The Sun (2009)The autopsy report is clear in its implications. The Sun (2012)Her autopsy did not show any health issues or artery problems. The Sun (2013)He has already inspected the hotel room and is awaiting the autopsy result. The Sun (2010)His parents were not given access to the autopsy report. Times, Sunday Times (2008)An autopsy yesterday showed he died of a heart attack. The Sun (2008)An autopsy report showed he was shot at least twice in his back. The Sun (2015)An autopsy showed he was killed by a single shot to the head. The Sun (2013)An autopsy report said she had suffered dozens of bruises. The Sun (2011)But if an autopsy shows his mother died of natural causes the charge will be reduced to failing to report a death. The Sun (2011)Reports in China said that the parents had requested no autopsy be performed. Times, Sunday Times (2015)After the men died, an autopsy was performed on their brains. Times, Sunday Times (2014)We're now awaiting results of an autopsy. The Sun (2015)Most often, autopsy results list cardiac failure as the cause of death. Times, Sunday Times (2007)Modern medical practice was founded 150 years ago designing a feedback from autopsy results to diagnosis. Peter F. Drucker MANAGEMENT: task, responsibilities, practices (1974)The coroner's office said the autopsy report will not be known for two more weeks. The Sun (2009)Police said an autopsy showed that both men died of respiratory failure, with suspicion of heart attacks. Times, Sunday Times (2014) AN autopsy on the body of a man found dead in a house has sparked a murder probe. The Sun (2016)