Definition of corporeal

The word "corporeal" originates from the Latin word "corpus," meaning "body." It entered the English language in the 14th century, initially referring to physical or material things, as well as the human body. Over time, the term took on a philosophical connotation, describing something that is physical or tangible, as opposed to spiritual or intangible. In Christian theology, the concept of the corporeal body was particularly significant, as it referred to the physical resurrection of the dead and the idea that the body would be reunited with the soul in the afterlife. In modern times, the word "corporeal" is often used in fields like philosophy, psychology, and medicine to describe the physical aspects of human experience, such as bodily sensations and emotions. Throughout its evolution, the word "corporeal" has retained its core meaning of relating to the physical body, while expanding to encompass broader applications in various fields of study.