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morgue

Definition

  • noun: a place where the bodies of dead people are kept until they are buried or cremated
  • noun: a place where the bodies of dead persons are kept temporarily pending identification or release for burial or autopsy
  • often used figuratively or in the phrase 'like a morgue' to describe a place that is very quiet and sad
  • synonyms: deadhouse, dead house

Examples

  • The locker room was a 'morgue' after the team lost yet another game.

  • old news stories found in a newspaper 'morgue'

  • The locker room was 'like a morgue'.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) We'll conduct our business while you confirm authorization. Why don't you head on down, and I'll confirm authorization. Thank you. Why is the morgue suddenly off limits on the orders of the general? This is one of the firemen who died in Dallas? According to the toe tag. (..)
    1998 The X Files
  • (..) Uh, no. No. We need to try our vaccine on it. And if it's unsuccessful? Burn it. Like the others. - ID and floor you're visiting. - The morgue. That area's currently off limits. - On whose orders? - General McAddie. We were woken at am and told to get down here immediately. (..)
    1998 The X Files