coroner

cor-o-ner · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An official who investigates deaths that are sudden, violent, or suspicious.

Forms

plural: coroners

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    coroner's inquest — a legal inquiry into the cause of death
  • •
    coroner's report — official documentation of findings

Related words

See also: autopsy, death, investigation
Synonyms: medical examiner

Etymology

From Anglo-French corouner, from coroune ("crown"), originally an officer of the crown responsible for maintaining royal pleas. The role evolved to focus on investigating deaths.