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Distinguishing Between Core and Corps and Corpse and Corp
These words are frequently confused despite their very different applications. Core and corps both rhyme with more. Core can be a noun, verb, or adjective, but is most often used as a noun to refer to the central or most important part of something (“the core of the issue,” “the Earth’s core”) or to the usually inedible central part of a fruit (“an apple core”). Corps has several meanings, all of which refer to some kind of group: “the Marine Corps,” “the press corps.” Its plural form is also spelled corps (“two corps of reporters”) but is pronounced just as cores is. Unlike in corps, The “p” in corpse and corp is pronounced. Corpse refers to a dead body, and especially to the dead body of a human. Corp is an abbreviation for “corporation” and “corporal.” Corp, corps, and corpse all trace back to the Latin word corpus, meaning “body.” The origin of core is obscure.
Examples of corps in a Sentence
Martha Ross, Mercury News, 7 July 2025
There is one obvious hole — no Alex Pietrangelo — so the defense corps looks one impact guy short.
—Corey Masisak, Denver Post, 5 July 2025
With Tuesday’s series opener against the Milwaukee Brewers postponed, forcing a midweek doubleheader, the relief corps received an extra day off, giving the Mets a full bullpen and an extra arm to play two games Wednesday.
—Abbey Mastracco, New York Daily News, 2 July 2025
Its defence corps hasn’t changed, while its forward group loses Ehlers, Appleton, and Tanev while gaining Toews.
—Murat Ates, New York Times, 2 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for corps
Cite this Entry
“Corps.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/corps. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
from French corps "part of a military organization," derived from Latin corpus "body" — related to corpse
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