body
UK[ˈbɒdi]US[ˈbɑːdi]
n
The physical structure of a person or an animal, including the bones, flesh, and organs
n
The main or central part of something, not including the head, limbs, or appendages
n
A group of people regarded as a single unit
Etymology
The word 'body' originates from the Old English 'bodig', which referred specifically to the trunk or torso of a human or animal. Its precise pre-Germanic roots are obscure, with no clear Proto-Indo-European ancestor identified, though it may share a connection with the Old High German term 'botah'. Over centuries, the meaning expanded from the core physical frame to encompass the entire physical structure of an organism. This semantic broadening continued, allowing 'body' to metaphorically represent any cohesive group or the main portion of an object, abstracting the concept of a central, unified mass from its original anatomical reference.
Analysis
The word 'body' is a simplex word derived from Old English 'bodig', meaning the trunk or torso of a person or animal. Its ultimate origin is uncertain, though it may be related to Old High German 'botah'.
Examples
Regular exercise is good for your body and mind.
The company's main body of work focuses on software development.
A large body of evidence supports the new theory.