'cadaver' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'cadaver', where 'cadere' meant 'to fall'.

'cadaver' changed from the Old French word 'cadavre' and eventually became the modern English word 'cadaver' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'that which has fallen' (and more generally 'a dead body'), but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a dead human body, often used for medical study'.