carcass

Definition

The body of a dead animal, especially a vertebrate or other animal having flesh.

Etymology

Dated from the late 13th Century C.E.; from Anglo-Norman carcois, possibly related to Old French charcois. Cognate with French carcasse. But cf. also Avestan 𐬐𐬀𐬵𐬭𐬐𐬁𐬯𐬀 (kahrkās, “vulture”), and Middle Persian [Book Pahlavi needed] (klkʾs /⁠kargās⁠/, “vulture”), whence Persian کرکس (karkas, “vulture”).

Example Sentences

• "Plate 31, figure B shows a desiccated carcass in the ventral position with a sharp S curvature in the vertebral column. Such pronounced drying-out of a carcass probably happens only when it is quickly carried to a dry place and exposed to the strong rays of the sun."
• "Despite all of the groups' experiences with leopards and carcasses in trees, neither the vervets nor the baboons gave alarm calls at the sight of the carcass alone."
• "Instead, the majority of studies involve freezing the carcasses until time permits the analysis."

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