剖

to dissect

Kanji 1813

This kanji has to do with dissections, autopsies, and the even gorier practice of vivisection (which the Japanese Army has performed in shocking ways). But 剖 also pops up in tame words, such as the one for “anatomy.” And more abstractly, because 剖 represents a drive to pick things apart until one has answers, people use it in reference to analyzing things such as films and books.

Revision history:

Feb. 18, 2022: 

• p. 2, Etymology Box: Updated the Henshall etymology and Sears link.
• p. 11: Added a link to the Kanshudo games.

Dec. 1, 2017: Originally published.