noun
- the process of destroying the central nervous system of an animal, typically by inserting a needle into the brain or spinal cord
Usage: scientific; veterinary
Examples
- The biology students learned about pithing as a humane method for preparing laboratory specimens.
- Pithing is commonly used in research to quickly render animals unconscious.
- The veterinarian explained that pithing ensures the animal feels no pain during the procedure.
- Proper pithing technique requires precise insertion of the needle into the medulla.
- The laboratory manual included detailed instructions for pithing frogs.
- Pithing is considered more humane than other methods of preparing research animals.