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

Dostie, who worked with a skilled cadaver dog, had become convinced that there were more bodies buried at Barker Ranch, the Death Valley outpost where the Manson Family fled after the murders. — Elisabeth Garber-Paul, Rolling Stone, 16 Aug. 2026

The sheriff’s office conducted a large-scale excavation for Cheryl this year after eight cadaver dogs alerted to the possible presence of human remains in the same location. — Francie Ebert, NBC news, 12 Aug. 2026

In a recent study, researchers examined the left and right branches of the vagus nerve in 30 human cadavers in attempt to better map the nerve. — Mary Randolph, Scientific American, 11 Aug. 2026

Authorities with cadaver dogs began following a dirt road catty-corner to Holbrook's house, leading into the woods. — Nikki Battiste, CBS News, 9 Aug. 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