Etymology Map
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Cadaver

2 stages from Latin to English.

Today it means a corpse

Where does the word "cadaver" come from? It comes from Latin cadaver, adopted directly into English (1400s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
cadaver
Latin · ancient
"dead body"
from 'cadere', to fall
2
Stage 2 of 2
cadaver
English · 1400s
"corpse"
medical students' 'cadavers' date from the 1800s
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Read the full story

Cadaver’s story begins in Latin: cadaver meant “dead body.” From 'cadere', to fall. It reached English by 1400s as cadaver. Medical students' 'cadavers' date from the 1800s. Today, cadaver means a corpse.