Definition

1. Noun:
   • The dead body of a human being: A corpse is the physical remains of a person after death. It is a formal or neutral term used in medical, legal, and general contexts to refer to a deceased human body.

Usage

• The word "corpse" is a countable noun.
• It is typically used in contexts involving death, such as crime scenes, medical examinations, funerals, or historical/archaeological discoveries.
• It carries a neutral, factual tone but can be perceived as stark or clinical. More sensitive or euphemistic terms like "remains" or "deceased" are often preferred in direct communication with bereaved individuals.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The hikers stumbled upon a corpse in the remote forest.
  • Forensic experts examined the corpse for clues about the time of death.
  • In the ancient tomb, archaeologists found the well-preserved corpse of a noblewoman.

Advanced Usage

• "A corpse of a...": Used to specify the state or nature of something that is dead or lifeless, often metaphorically.
  • The abandoned factory was a corpse of its former industrial self.
• Legal/Medical Jargon: Commonly used in official reports and procedures.
  • The coroner was called to the scene to pronounce the corpse dead.

Variants and Related Words

• Cadaver (n): A dead human body, especially one used for scientific study or dissection. This term is more technical and is almost exclusively used in medical or scientific contexts.
  • The medical students studied anatomy using a cadaver.
• Remains (n): Often used as a more respectful or formal term for a dead body, especially in funeral contexts.
  • His mortal remains were laid to rest in the family plot.
• Deceased (n, formal): A person who has died, used as a noun, often in legal or official language.
  • The deceased left a detailed will.

Synonyms

• Body (n): A more general and common term, which can be softened with "dead" (dead body).
• Stiff (n, slang): An informal, sometimes disrespectful slang term for a corpse.
• Carcass (n): Typically used for the dead body of an animal; using it for a human is considered highly offensive.

Idioms and Phrases

• "To corpse" (verb, informal, chiefly British): In theatrical slang, this means for an actor to forget their lines or to laugh uncontrollably on stage, breaking character.
  • The comedian's hilarious ad-lib made his co-star corpse in the middle of the scene.
• "A corpse at every wedding and a bride at every funeral": A proverbial phrase commenting on someone who habitually brings a somber or inappropriate mood to joyful events and vice versa.

Noun

1. the dead body of a human being
   • the cadaver was intended for dissection
   • the end of the police search was the discovery of a corpse
   • the murderer confessed that he threw the stiff in the river
   • honor comes to bless the turf that wraps their clay