Meaning & Definition of word "Carcass"

Carcass

/ˈkɑːrkəs/

noun:

  • 1. The dead body of an animal, especially one that is slaughtered for food.
    • Example: The butcher displayed the carcass of a lamb in the window of the shop.
  • 2. The body of a human after death.
    • Example: The detectives found the carcass in an abandoned building.
  • 3. The remains of something that has been destroyed or decayed.
    • Example: After the fire, only the carcass of the building remained.

Etymology

Derived from Middle French 'carcasse', ultimately from Latin 'carcassa', meaning 'the trunk or body of a dead animal'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

carcass of a vehicle:

The frame of a vehicle stripped of its parts.

to smell a carcass:

To detect a disagreeable or foul odor.

a carcass left for dead:

Something abandoned and considered worthless.

Related Words

corpse:

The dead body of a human.

remains:

What is left after something is gone or destroyed.

body:

The physical structure of a person or animal.

Slang Meanings of carcass

Meaning: Something that is severely damaged or in a state of disrepair.

Example Sentence: That old truck is a carcass; it barely runs anymore.

Meaning: A person who is behaving lethargically or without energy.

Example Sentence: After the long meeting, I felt like a carcass just wanting to go home.