First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1corporal
noun cor·po·ral \ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rəl\
Definition of CORPORAL
: a linen cloth on which the eucharistic elements are placed
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Origin of CORPORAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin corporale, from Latin, neuter of corporalis; from the doctrine that the bread of the Eucharist becomes or represents the body of Christ
2corporal
adjective
Definition of CORPORAL
2
: of, relating to, or affecting the body <corporal punishment>
— cor·po·ral·ly \-p(ə-)rə-lē\ adverb
See corporal defined for kids Origin of CORPORAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin corporalis, from corpor-, corpus body — more at midriff
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to CORPORAL
- Antonyms
- nonmaterial, nonphysical
3corporal
noun
Definition of CORPORAL
: a noncommissioned officer ranking in the army above a private first class and below a sergeant and in the marine corps above a lance corporal and below a sergeant
Origin of CORPORAL
Middle French, lowest noncommissioned officer, alteration of caporal, from Old Italian caporale, from capo head, from Latin caput — more at head
First Known Use: 1579
CORPORAL Defined for Kids
1corporal
adjective cor·po·ral \ˈkȯr-pə-rəl, ˈkȯr-prəl\
Definition of CORPORAL for Kids
: of or relating to the body <corporal punishment>
Word Root of CORPORAL
The Latin word corpus, meaning “body,” and its form corporis give us the root corp or corpor. Words from the Latin corpus have something to do with the body. Corporal is an adjective describing something that has to do with a person's or animal's body. A corporal is a military officer who leads a body of soldiers. A corporation is a body, or group, of people who run a company. A corpse is a dead body.
2corporal
noun
Definition of CORPORAL for Kids
: a noncommissioned officer ranking above a private in the army or above a lance corporal in the marine corps
Medical Dictionary
corporal
adjective cor·po·ral \ˈkȯr-p(ə-)rəl\
Medical Definition of CORPORAL
: of, relating to, or affecting the body <corporal punishment>
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