corps

Everyday

1. A part of an army with a special job, like the medical corps or the Marine Corps. tree →
2. A group of people who work together on a special task, like the press corps or a dance corps. tree →
3. (ballet) The corps de ballet: the group of dancers who dance together, not the soloists. tree →

In the lessons

In history and the news it names military units, such as the US Marine Corps or the Royal Army Medical Corps, and groups like the Peace Corps. In dance it means the main group of dancers. Phrases: "Marine Corps", "Peace Corps", "diplomatic corps", "corps de ballet".

Examples

• He joined the Army Medical Corps as a nurse. tree →
• The US Marine Corps is part of the American armed forces. tree →
• The Peace Corps sends volunteers to help other countries. tree →
• The press corps waited outside for the prime minister. tree →
• She dances in the corps de ballet. tree →

Note

Pronounced "core" (the p and s are silent); the plural is spelled the same but said "cores". Do not confuse with "corpse" (a dead body, said "korps").