Definition: The word "cadaverous" is an adjective that describes something that relates to a dead body (a cadaver) or has the appearance of one. It often means looking very thin and unhealthy, as if someone is suffering from a serious illness, starvation, or extreme cold.
In literature, "cadaverous" can be used metaphorically to describe not just physical appearance, but also an atmosphere or environment that feels lifeless or eerie. For example, you might say, "The abandoned house had a cadaverous quality, with its crumbling walls and dark shadows."
While "cadaverous" primarily refers to a physical appearance related to dead bodies or extreme thinness, it can also convey a sense of gloom or lifelessness in a broader context.
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "cadaverous," but you might encounter phrases like: - "Skin and bones," which means someone is very thin, similar to "cadaverous."
"Cadaverous" is a descriptive word used to talk about extreme thinness, often due to illness or starvation, and can also relate to the lifelessness of a corpse.