Morgue

/mɔːrɡ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A place where dead bodies are kept, especially for identification or before burial.

The detective visited the morgue to examine the body for clues.

A reference to a repository of information, often used metaphorically for a collection of discarded or obsolete material.

The old files in the office were relegated to the digital morgue, rarely accessed by anyone.

Etymology

The word 'morgue' comes from the French 'morgue', which refers to a place where corpses are kept. Its origin is possibly linked to the Latin 'mors', meaning 'death'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

morgue file

A collection of photographs of unidentified corpses or crime scene images for investigative purposes.

morgue conditions

A colloquial term used to describe a very cold and lifeless atmosphere.

Related Words

mortuary

A place where dead bodies are prepared for burial or cremation.

coroner

An official responsible for investigating deaths, particularly those happening under unusual circumstances.

autopsy

A medical examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death.

Slang Meanings

A term used in a morbid or humorous context to indicate a location where one feels lifeless.

This party feels like a morgue!

In a figurative sense, referring to a very dull place or situation.

The meeting was a total morgue.