corpus
[ˈkɔr.pʊs]neuter
The Latin word for body is corpus.
corpus is the most general term used to refer to the physical structure of a human or an animal.
Meaning: physical structure of a human or animal (noun)
Which one should you use?
While corpus refers to a general body, cadaver is used specifically to mean a corpse or a lifeless body and corpusculum is a diminutive used to describe a small or tiny body.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word corpus is a neuter noun. In the singular, the form used for the direct object (accusative) is identical to the subject form corpus. To indicate possession, use the genitive singular corporis (of the body) or the genitive plural corporum (of the bodies). To indicate an indirect object or use with certain prepositions, use the dative singular corpori (to/for the body). The plural form is corpora (bodies).
Did you know?
- The English word 'corporate' comes from corpus, reflecting the Roman idea that a group of people could be treated as one single 'body'.
- In academic and linguistic contexts, a 'corpus' refers to a large collection of written texts, treating a body of language as a single physical entity.
- The Latin corpus is an ancestor of the English word 'corps', as in the 'Marine Corps', treating a military unit as a single body.
Examples in context
- Corpus meum mihi inest.My body belongs to me.This sentence illustrates the concept of a body belonging to oneself using corpus.Tatoeba #11624162 by shekitten, translation #11619422 by shekitten
- Corpus tibi curandum est.You need to take care of your body.This sentence shows the use of corpus when discussing the necessity of body care.Tatoeba #5163153 by alexmarcelo, translation #6765642 by CarpeLanam
- Corpus tibi lavandum est.You must wash your body.This sentence demonstrates using corpus in the context of washing the body.Tatoeba #7052928 by alexmarcelo, translation #1229292 by Scott
- Sana mens in sano corporeA sound mind in a sound body
- Cadavera multa in via iacebantMany bodies were lying in the street
- Hoc corpusculum frigidum estThis little body is cold
- 31 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Marcus and Aurelia are discussing health and exercise.
- MarcusCorpus meum lassum est.My body is tired.
- AureliaVisne corpus tuum modo quiescere?Do you want your body to just rest?
- MarcusIta, corpus modo somnum desiderat.Yes, the body just wants sleep.
- AureliaTunc dormi, Marce.Then sleep, Marcus.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “body” translations and entries corpus, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
