noun
coroner
KOR-uh-ner/ˈkɔːrənər/
An official who investigates certain deaths to determine their cause.
The coroner investigates the sudden death and reviews the medical records.
Etymology
The earlier officer served the Crown, supervising its pleas and administering criminal justice. The office’s duties gradually narrowed until determining the cause of unexplained deaths became its chief function.
In context
The coroner's office investigates sudden violent or suspicious deaths or deaths unattended by a doctor. Um, and then we determine the cause and manner of death.
More examples
- Police notify the coroner when they discover an unexplained death.
- The coroner's report lists drowning as the cause of death.
- Voters in this county elect a coroner every four years.
Forms
coroner · coroners
Similar words
- medical examiner
- A physician; a coroner need not have medical training.