Pronunciation: [kˈɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of the word "corps" can be tricky due to its silent "p" and unusual phonetic transcription. The IPA phonetic transcription for "corps" is /kɔːr/. The "p" is silent in this word, so it is not pronounced as in other words like "carp." The "o" sound is also longer than usual due to the presence of the r-controlled vowel "ɔːr." Overall, the unique spelling and pronunciation of "corps" can trip up even the most experienced spellers.
Corps (pronounced kawr or kohr) is a noun that can have multiple definitions depending on the context in which it is used.
1. A military unit or organization: In this sense, corps refers to a branch or division of a military force, typically composed of two or more divisions. It may also designate a particular group of soldiers with specialized training or a specific function within the armed forces.
2. A group of people engaged in a particular activity or profession: Here, corps describes an organized body of individuals working together towards a common goal or purpose. This can include professional organizations, trade unions, or associations formed by individuals with shared interests or skills.
3. The physical body or framework of a person or animal: In this definition, corps refers to the overall structure and composition of a living organism, such as a human body or an animal's anatomy. It can also extend to the overall condition or health of a living being.
4. A dance or theater company: This usage of the term refers to a group of performers, whether dancers or actors, who come together to create and present works of dance or theatrical productions.
The word "corps" originates from French and Latin, where it shares similar meanings. It is often used in English to describe a collective, organized group of individuals sharing a common purpose or characteristic.
A body of soldiers; any division of an army.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "corps" originates from the Middle French term "corps", which ultimately comes from the Latin word "corpus", meaning "body". In its original sense, "corps" referred to a military unit or organization. The term later extended to various other domains such as non-military organizations and groups, often denoting a distinct collective body of individuals. It is interesting to note that the word "corpus" in Latin shares the same Proto-Indo-European root (*ḱer-) as the English word "corpse", indicating a common origin.
