vivisection

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viv·i·sec·tion / ˌvivəˈsekshən/ • n. the practice of performing operations on live animals for the purpose of experimentation or scientific research (used only by people who are opposed to such work). ∎ fig. ruthlessly sharp and detailed criticism or analysis: the vivisection of America's seamy underbelly.DERIVATIVES: viv·i·sec·tion·ist / -ist/ n. & adj.

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