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Cadaver Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cadaver

[kəˈdɑːvər ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A dead body, especially one intended for dissection.

Synonyms

body, corpse, remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cadaver

Commonly used in medical or scientific settings to refer to a dead human body used for study or research.

  • Medical students practice surgical techniques on cadavers.
  • The university received several cadavers for anatomical research.
corpse

Typically used in a more formal or clinical context to describe a dead human body. It can carry a slightly cold or detached connotation.

  • The detectives examined the crime scene, where they found the corpse of an unidentified male.
  • The mortician prepared the corpse for the funeral.
remains

Often used to refer to what is left of a person's body after death, especially if it is decomposed or skeletal. This term is usually more respectful and less direct.

  • Archaeologists uncovered the remains of a prehistoric settlement.
  • The remains were buried in a local cemetery after being identified.
body

A general term that can be used to refer to a living or dead physical human form. It's often used in neutral situations.

  • The rescue team found the body of the missing hiker.
  • Authorities are working to identify the body found in the river.

Examples of usage

  • The cadaver was carefully examined by medical students.
  • The anatomy class used cadavers for study purposes.
Context #2 | Noun

forensic

A dead body, especially one that is the subject of a criminal investigation.

Synonyms

body, corpse, remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cadaver

Primarily used in medical or scientific contexts when referring to a human body that is being studied or dissected.

  • Medical students studied the cadaver to learn about human anatomy.
  • The lab received several cadavers for research purposes.
corpse

Typically used in forensic or crime-related contexts to refer to a dead human body. Often carries a more neutral or slightly scientific tone.

  • The detective examined the corpse for clues.
  • The morgue received several corpses after the incident.
body

A general term that can refer to a living or dead human or animal. It can be used in both casual and formal contexts.

  • They found the body in the river.
  • He has a strong and muscular body.
remains

A more formal term that often refers to what is left of a body after death. Commonly used in archaeological, historical, or respectful contexts.

  • Archaeologists discovered ancient human remains at the site.
  • The family held a memorial for the remains of their ancestor.

Examples of usage

  • The detectives found the cadaver hidden in the abandoned building.
  • The forensic team identified the cadaver by dental records.
Context #3 | Noun

general

A dead human body.

Synonyms

body, corpse, remains.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
cadaver

Commonly used in medical and scientific contexts to describe a dead human body being used for research, education, or medical training.

  • Medical students study anatomy by dissecting cadavers.
  • The researchers examined the cadaver to learn more about the disease.
corpse

Often used in forensic, crime, or formal contexts, referring to a dead human body. It may carry a slightly more clinical or descriptive tone.

  • The detective examined the crime scene where the corpse was found.
  • They discovered a partially decomposed corpse in the abandoned building.
body

A general term for a dead person, often used in ordinary or everyday language contexts. It doesn't carry the same scientific or forensic implication as 'cadaver' or 'corpse'.

  • The police found a body near the river.
  • The family prepared the body for burial.
remains

Typically used to refer to what is left of a body after death, especially when only partial parts or bones are found. It is often used in archaeological or forensic contexts.

  • The remains of the ancient soldier were uncovered during the excavation.
  • Forensic experts identified the remains using DNA analysis.

Examples of usage

  • The cadaver was found in the river by the search team.
  • The medical examiner performed an autopsy on the cadaver.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Cadavers play a crucial role in medical education, allowing students to learn human anatomy through dissection.
  • Researchers often use cadavers to study the effects of diseases and injuries, contributing to advancements in medicine.
  • In forensic science, cadaver studies help understand how to determine time of death and other clues about a crime.

Culture

  • Several cultures have rituals around death that involve caring for cadavers, reflecting their beliefs about the afterlife.
  • The use of cadavers in art and sculpture has been significant; many famous artists studied human anatomy for their realistic portrayals.
  • In horror genres, cadavers are often used to evoke feelings of fear, making their presence in movies significant.

Legal

  • In anatomy and medical education, laws regulate the donation and use of cadavers for research and education purposes.
  • Coroners often examine a cadaver to determine the cause of death, which has legal implications in investigations.
  • Ethical discussions around cadaver use focus on consent and the treatment of remains with dignity.

History

  • Historically, the use of cadavers was controversial; many cultures once viewed it as taboo.
  • The Venetian law of 1294 allowed public dissection of cadavers under limited circumstances, crucial for the evolution of medical knowledge.
  • During the Renaissance, the study of cadavers became more accepted, leading to significant advancements in anatomy and medicine.

Origin of 'cadaver'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin term 'cadaver,' which means 'corpse.'
  • In Old French, it was used as 'cadavre' before entering the English language.
  • The historical use of the word can be traced back to medieval times when anatomy studies were common.

The word 'cadaver' originates from the Latin word 'cadere' meaning 'to fall'. In ancient Rome, it was used to refer to a dead body or corpse. The term has been commonly used in medical and forensic contexts to describe deceased human bodies for study or investigation purposes.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,607, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.