Meaning & Definition of word "Corpse"
to
Corpse
/kɔːrps/
noun:
- 1. The dead body of a human being.
- Example: The detectives conducted an investigation after discovering a corpse in the abandoned building.
- 2. The dead body of an animal.
- Example: While hiking, they stumbled upon the remains of a corpse, likely that of a deer.
- 3. A lifeless or decaying physical form.
- Example: The artist created a sculpture that resembled a corpse draped in tattered cloth.
- 4. Used in a metaphorical sense to describe something that is no longer functioning or vital.
- Example: The old car sat in the garage like a forgotten corpse, covered in dust and rust.
Etymology
From Latin 'corpus', meaning 'body'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
white as a corpse:
Extremely pale, usually due to fear, sickness, or death.
walking corpse:
A living person who appears very ill or exhausted.
Related Words
cadaver:
A dead body used for medical teaching and research.
mortuary:
A place where dead bodies are stored prior to burial or cremation.
necropsy:
The examination of a body after death to determine cause of death.
Slang Meanings of corpse
Meaning: A person who is extremely tired or inactive.
Example Sentence: After working all week, I'm a total corpse.
Meaning: A ghost or spirit.
Example Sentence: He claims to have seen the corpse of the old pirate haunting the cove.