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

According to the Times coverage of the incident and subsequent lawsuit, the scenes shown in the classroom included autopsies, decaying cadavers and live animals being butchered, mutilated and tortured. —Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026

The practice of using cadaver material is not unprecedented. —Theara Coleman, TheWeek, 7 Apr. 2026

That changed as multiple search teams assisted state and local authorities to canvass the area, including five cadaver dogs from Louisville. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 2 Apr. 2026

Officials are working with an anthropologist, cadaver dogs and additional law enforcement resources as the investigation continues. —Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 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