The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

4.8

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

Buy on Amazon

Amazon Best Seller:

#1 Spelling & Vocabulary.

#1 Education TOEFL & TOEIC.

#1 Slang & Idiom Reference Books.

Upgrade Your Vocabulary With Our Best-Selling Book:

corpse

noun

/kɔrps/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of corpse

The lifeless body of a deceased human or animal.
"The detective carefully examined the corpse for any clues that could help solve the murder case."

Detailed meaning of corpse

It represents the physical remains after the cessation of life and serves as a poignant reminder of mortality. A corpse is typically devoid of life's vital functions, including respiration, circulation, and consciousness. It is a state of being where the body undergoes post-mortem changes and begins to decompose. Corpses are usually handled with solemnity and respect, and various cultural and religious practices surround their treatment, such as burial, cremation, or other forms of funeral rites. The study of corpses, known as forensic science, plays a vital role in determining the cause of death, providing closure to grieving families, and aiding in criminal investigations. While the concept of a corpse carries a somber and often macabre connotation, it is an inherent part of the natural cycle of life and death that human societies have grappled with throughout history.

Example sentences containing corpse

1. The detectives carefully examined the crime scene and discovered a lifeless corpse.
2. The mortician prepared the deceased's corpse for a dignified funeral.
3. The eerie silence of the graveyard was broken by the sight of a fresh corpse.
4. The forensic team worked tirelessly to identify the unknown corpse.
5. In the dim light, the silhouette of the corpse sent shivers down their spines.
6. The mystery novel revolved around the discovery of a hidden corpse.

History and etymology of corpse

The noun 'corpse' has its etymological origins in the Old English word 'cors,' which is related to the Old Norse word 'korr,' both meaning 'body.' This straightforward etymology directly conveys the essence of 'corpse' as the lifeless body of a deceased human or animal. It emphasizes the inanimate state of the body following death. 'Corpse' is a word that addresses the physical remains, underscoring the stark contrast between the once-living entity and the lifeless form that remains. Its etymology reflects the timeless and universal concept of death and the need for a term to describe the deceased body, transcending linguistic and cultural boundaries.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun corpse:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of corpse

1. The coroner conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death in the corpse.
2. The haunted house was rumored to be inhabited by vengeful spirits and restless corpses.
3. The cemetery held a solemn beauty, with rows of graves and ancient corpses.
4. The police searched for any clues that might lead them to the missing corpse.
5. The old mansion was said to be haunted by the ghost of a murdered corpse.
6. The forensic scientist meticulously examined the evidence surrounding the corpse.
7. The artist's painting depicted the fragile beauty of a decaying corpse.
8. The medical examiner's report provided crucial insights into the corpse's demise.
9. The horror movie featured a zombie uprising, with corpses rising from the dead.
10. The ancient burial site revealed the customs and rituals of preserving corpses.
11. The detective uncovered a shocking secret hidden beneath the deceased's corpse.
12. The cemetery at night was an eerie place, where shadows seemed to dance among the corpses.
13. The abandoned asylum was rumored to be filled with the restless spirits of the deceased corpses.
14. The novelist wove a gripping tale of murder, deceit, and a missing corpse.
15. The sight of a decaying corpse sent a shiver down my spine.
16. The forensic team arrived at the crime scene to collect evidence and identify the corpse.
17. The cemetery was filled with rows of tombstones marking the final resting places of countless corpses.
18. The mortician prepared the corpse for the funeral, ensuring a dignified presentation.
19. The archaeologists discovered an ancient burial site containing remarkably preserved corpses.
20. The horror movie featured scenes of walking corpses rising from their graves.
21. The coroner conducted an autopsy to determine the cause of death for the unidentified corpse.
22. The smell emanating from the decomposing corpse was overpowering and nauseating.
23. The war zone was strewn with the corpses of fallen soldiers, a grim reminder of the brutal conflict.
24. The forensic anthropologist used skeletal remains to reconstruct the features of the long-deceased corpse.
25. The grieving family gathered around the open casket to bid farewell to their loved one's lifeless corpse.