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

Purchases allegedly made by Burke under aliases also included cadaver bags, heavy-duty laundry bags, chain saws, a shovel and a fireproof mat, Byers testified. — Madeline Morrison, NBC news, 22 July 2026

Part of her body was stuffed into the cadaver bag; other parts into a garbage bag. — Ray Sanchez, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

For medical students, practicing with real cadavers would remain important. — Danny Robb, JSTOR Daily, 16 July 2026

In early June, USCGIS relied on divers, underwater vehicles, drones and a cadaver dog while searching an area of Hope Town, Bahamas where Lynette was last seen alive. — Kelsie Cairns, FOXNews.com, 16 July 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