autopsy

[ˈɔːtɒpsi]
nounfemininepl: autopsies
autópsia
1. A post-mortem examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death
The autopsy revealed that the victim died from a heart attack.
A autópsia revelou que a vítima morreu de infarto do miocárdio.
2. A detailed examination or analysis of something
The company conducted an autopsy of the failed project to understand what went wrong.
A empresa realizou uma autópsia do projeto fracassado para entender o que deu errado.
In Brazil, autopsies are typically performed by forensic pathologists (patologistas forenses) and are mandatory in cases of violent or suspicious deaths. The term is also used metaphorically in business and political contexts to analyze failures. In the USA, autopsies are declining in general practice but remain important in forensic and legal investigations.
Synonyms / Sinônimos
post-mortem examinationnecropsypost-mortemmedical examination

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
autópsia
Most common term used in medical and legal contexts
Rio de Janeiro
autópsia
Standard usage in medical examiner's offices
São Paulo
autópsia
Standard usage in forensic medicine departments
Portugal
autópsia
Same term used; also may use 'necropsia' in medical literature

Related Words

corpseforensicpathologymedical examinercause of deathcadaver

Related Idioms & Phrases

to perform an autopsy
autopsy report
conduct an autopsy
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