morgue
“morgue” means “morgue” in Spanish (a place where bodies are kept for identification or examination).
morgue
Also: mortuary
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El cuerpo fue trasladado al morgue para la autopsia.
B1The body was transferred to the morgue for the autopsy.
Los familiares tuvieron que ir al morgue para identificar a la víctima.
B2The relatives had to go to the morgue to identify the victim.
El hospital inauguró un nuevo morgue con mejores equipos de refrigeración.
B1The hospital inaugurated a new morgue with better refrigeration equipment.
✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: morgue
Question 1 of 1
Which sentence correctly uses the Spanish word 'morgue'?
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📚 Etymology▼
The Spanish word is a direct borrowing from the French word 'morgue'. It originally referred to a section of a French prison where newly arrived inmates were kept so that guards could scrutinize and memorize their faces. This concept of temporary identification storage was later transferred to the facility for deceased persons.
First recorded: Mid-19th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'morgue' masculine or feminine in Spanish?
It is masculine. You must say 'el morgue' or 'un morgue'. This is unusual because many words ending in '-e' are feminine, but 'morgue' is an exception, likely because it is a direct loanword from French.
Is 'morgue' the same as 'tanatorio'?
No, they are different. The 'morgue' is primarily for official identification and examination (like autopsies). A 'tanatorio' is a funeral home or chapel where the viewing and wake take place before burial or cremation.