body
UK: ˈbɒdi | US: ˈbɑːdi
n. the physical structure of a person or animal
n. the main part of a structure or vehicle
n. a group of people with a common purpose
The word "body" traces back to Old English bodig, meaning "trunk, chest, or physical structure." It shares roots with Old High German botah and possibly Proto-Germanic budagaz, though its deeper origins are unclear. Over time, "body" expanded from referring to the physical form of living beings to abstract groups (e.g., "student body") and structural components (e.g., "car body"). The suffix -y is a nominalizing element in Old English, but in "body," it is integral to the root rather than a separable suffix.
Regular exercise keeps the body healthy.
The body of the essay should support the thesis.
A legislative body votes on new laws.
The car's body was damaged in the accident.
She donated her body to medical science.