cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈda-vər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body
especially : one intended for dissection
cadaveric
kə-ˈdav-rik How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
-ˈda-və-
adjective

Examples of cadaver in a Sentence

medical students who train by using cadavers
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Emergency personnel from 13 states have been on the ground searching for the missing, including multiple K9 cadaver dog units; that number has increased to 19, authorities said. Bethany Blankley, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2025 Since then, officials have deployed cadaver dogs and a mountaineer team in the hunt. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 11 July 2025 The operation includes divers, cadaver dogs, and aerial units, all combing the surrounding area for signs of flood victims. Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Chelan County officials said last week that drones and cadaver and tracking dogs are continuing to be used in the search efforts. ABC News, 7 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cadaver

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from cadere to fall

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cadaver was circa 1500

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cadaver.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cadaver. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body especially of a person : corpse

Medical Definition

cadaver

noun
ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
plural cadavers also cadavera -ə-rə How to pronounce cadaver (audio)
: a dead body
specifically : one intended for use in medical education or research
cadaveric adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on cadaver

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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