corpse

[kawrps]

noun

1. a dead body, usually of a human being.

   Synonyms: cadaver

2. something no longer useful or viable.

   rusting corpses of old cars.

3. Obsolete.,  a human or animal body, whether alive or dead.

corpse

/ kɔːps /

noun

1. a dead body, esp of a human being; cadaver

verb

1. slang,  theatre to laugh or cause to laugh involuntarily or inopportunely while on stage

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpse¹

First recorded in 1225–75; Middle English corps; originally spelling variant of cors ( corse ) but the p is now sounded

Word History and Origins

Origin of corpse¹

C14: from Old French corps body, from Latin corpus body

Synonym Study

See body.

Example Sentences

He expressed deep contrition over the video in which he bit the dog's corpse, stating he had not been responsible for its death.

From BBC

Then, he was able to digitally erase both the corpse and the rope, leaving behind only the visual context in which the horror took place.

From Los Angeles Times

They are currently in custody, awaiting trial on several charges - including violating a corpse, defeating the ends of justice and fraud.

From BBC

A computer scientist at a university in the north of England is studying an image of a corpse - attempting to solve a mystery that has gripped the Middle East for nearly 50 years.

From BBC

Since at least the 19th Century, when the teaching of medicine expanded, some scientifically-minded people have rather liked the idea that their corpse could be used to train doctors.

From BBC

Related Words

• body 
• cadaver 
• carcass 
• remains