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Carcasses: meaning, definitions and examples

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carcasses

 

[ ˈkɑr.kəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

dead animals

Carcasses refer to the dead bodies of animals, especially those that have been slaughtered for food or have died from natural causes. They can be used in various contexts, including butchery and biology.

Synonyms

cadavers, corpses, remains

Examples of usage

  • The butcher hung the carcasses in the cooler.
  • Researchers examined the carcasses to study the effects of disease.
  • After the storm, there were several animal carcasses washed ashore.
Context #2 | Noun

vehicle remains

In an automotive context, 'carcasses' can refer to the framework or chassis of a vehicle, particularly when it is damaged or disassembled. This usage is less common than the biological definition.

Synonyms

chassis, frames, shells

Examples of usage

  • The junkyard was filled with vehicle carcasses.
  • They salvaged parts from old carcasses to repair newer models.
  • The artist created sculptures from car carcasses.

Etymology

The word 'carcass' originates from the late Middle English term 'carcas', which derives from the Old North French 'carcasse', meaning 'body, corpse', particularly in the sense of animals. Its usage has been recorded in English since the 14th century, primarily relating to animals that are dead or considered as byproducts of butchery. The term has evolved to encompass various contexts, including fine dining, biology, and even automotive terminology. Over time, 'carcass' has taken on additional connotations, often referring to remains of a body post-mortem in both medical and scientific discussions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,007, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.