corps
UK[kɔː]US[kɔːr]
n
a main subdivision of an army in the field, consisting of two or more divisions
n
a body of people engaged in a particular activity
Etymology
the word 'corps' entered english from french in the late 16th century, retaining its french spelling. it originates from the latin word 'corpus', meaning 'body'. this latin term itself derives from the proto-indo-european root krep-, meaning 'body' or 'form'. the semantic evolution is direct: from the physical human body in latin, to a collective 'body' of troops in french military terminology, and finally to its modern english meanings denoting either a large military formation or any organized group of people. the silent final 's' and distinct pronunciation from the english word 'corpse' are artifacts of its french origin.
Analysis
the entire word 'corps' is a loanword from french, derived from latin 'corpus' meaning 'body'. it functions as a single, unanalyzable unit in modern english spelling and pronunciation.
Examples
he served in the marine corps for twenty years.
the diplomatic corps gathered at the embassy for the reception.
a corps of volunteers worked tirelessly to rebuild the community.