How Do You Spell CADAVEROUS?

Pronunciation: [kɐdˈavəɹəs] (IPA)

The word cadaverous (/kəˈdævərəs/) is a term commonly used to describe someone who looks very thin and sickly, like a corpse. The spelling of this word is interesting as it comes from the Latin word "cadaver" which means "a dead body." The "-ous" suffix is commonly used in English to create adjectives, meaning "having the quality of" or "full of." Therefore, cadaverous refers to something that has the quality or characteristics of a dead body, particularly with respect to its appearance.

Meaning and Definition
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Etymology
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CADAVEROUS Meaning and Definition

  1. Cadaverous is an adjective used to describe something or someone that is extremely thin, pale, and gaunt, resembling a corpse or a dead body. The term is derived from the Latin word "cadaver," meaning "corpse."

    When used to describe a person, a cadaverous appearance often suggests a severe state of emaciation, extreme weight loss or illness. Their skin may appear pale and lifeless, lacking the healthy color normally associated with vitality. The individual's sunken eyes, hollow cheeks, and prominent bones may contribute to this skeletal appearance. This adjective is often employed to depict a frail or unhealthy physical condition, as if the person is on the brink of death.

    Cadaverous can also be utilized to describe the appearance of animals or objects. For instance, a cadaverous tree might refer to one with withered and lifeless branches, devoid of foliage. Similarly, this descriptor could be used to describe a building in a dilapidated state, with crumbling walls and a deteriorated structure.

    The term cadaverous is typically associated with a negative connotation, as it characterizes a gaunt and lifeless appearance that is often unsettling or disconcerting to witness. It is a word that invokes an image of deathly stillness and fragility, evoking feelings of morbidity or unease.

  2. Having the pallor and appearance of a corpse.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. Pale; wan; ghastly.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for CADAVEROUS

Etymology of CADAVEROUS

The word "cadaverous" comes from the Latin term "cadaver", meaning "corpse". In Latin, "cadaver" was derived from the verb "cadere", which means "to fall". The use of the term "cadaverous" dates back to the early 17th century in English, denoting a person or appearance that resembles a corpse, often associated with a pale, gaunt, or emaciated complexion.

Similar spelling words for CADAVEROUS

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Correct spelling for cadaverous
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