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. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Of or pertaining to, or received during, a dissection; as, a dissecting wound. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Used for or in dissecting; as, a dissecting knife; a dissecting microscope. [ 1913 Webster ]