cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈda-vər 

: a dead body

especially : one intended for dissection

cadaveric

kə-ˈdav-rik 

-ˈda-və-

adjective

Synonyms of cadaver

• corpse

Examples of cadaver in a Sentence

medical students who train by using cadavers

Recent Examples on the Web

The outlet also reported that a cadaver dog alerted to a shed on the property where the trash can had allegedly been stored. —Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026

Responding officers inspected the Tesla and found a cadaver bag in the front trunk. —Laura Payne, Encyclopedia Britannica, 15 May 2026

In 2023, a cadaver dog alerted to topsoil near where the patio had been built in the home’s backyard, but as authorities dug deeper, the dog stopped picking up the scent, law enforcement sources said. —Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 14 May 2026

Sheriff’s deputies even used ground-penetrating radar and cadaver dogs to search the property of his father, Ruben Flores, in Arroyo Grande in 2021. —Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from cadere to fall

First Known Use

circa 1500, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər 

: a dead body especially of a person : corpse

Medical Definition

cadaver

noun

ca·​dav·​er kə-ˈdav-ər 

plural cadavers also cadavera -ə-rə 

: a dead body

specifically : one intended for use in medical education or research

cadaveric

-(ə-)rik 

adjective