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

Authorities’ search efforts at the time included cadaver dogs, drones, ATVs and Arkansas State Police aircraft, the sheriff’s office said. —David Chiu, PEOPLE, 21 Jan. 2026

More than 300 students would pack this theater to watch professors dissect human cadavers – mostly bodies of criminals from another town. —Rick Steves, Chicago Tribune, 20 Jan. 2026

There’s immortality entwined with property acquisition and cadaver dating apps and more than one magical or intergalactic heist! —Literary Hub, 2 Jan. 2026

Ted is an incredible writer who, as a cadaver dog handler, is also very knowledgeable about the search process. —The Editors, Outside, 25 Dec. 2025

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