corpus vile en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- /ˈkɔɹpəs ˈviːleɪ/
Etymology
From Latin corpus (“body”) vile (“worthless”).
Meanings
- A person, animal or thing treated as expendable, to therefore use as an experimental subject regardless of whatever loss or damage it may suffer as a result.
- (figuratively) The subject of an experiment.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| corpora vilia | Number=Plur | lexicographic |