cadaver.

From the Latin verb cadō (“to fall”), as a euphemism for dying, "the fallen one". This etymology is found as early as ca. 200 C.E. in the writings of Tertullian. The above derivation, refined to be from an active perfect participle *kadā-wes-, is tentatively accepted by de Vaan, albeit with reservations. Other theories include a connection to Sanskrit कलेवर (kalevara, “corpse”). Compare typologically Russian па́даль (pádalʹ) (akin to па́дать (pádatʹ)), Ancient Greek πτῶμα (ptôma) (< πίπτω (píptō)). A folk etymology derives cadaver syllabically from the Latin expression caro data vermibus (flesh given to worms). This etymology, more popular in Romance countries, can be traced back as early as the Schoolmen of the Middle Ages.