Meaning & Definition of word "Corpse"

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.