MEANING
Temporary stiffening of muscles after death caused by biochemical changes in muscle tissue.
Use it for
A dead body's resistance to movement; forensic examination; the shock of physical finalityGive the body resistance while keeping timing scientifically qualified.
Words that belong together
- rigor mortis has set in
- advanced rigor mortis
- assess rigor mortis
On the page
Rigor mortis made the fingers difficult to uncurl.
The examiner checked for rigor mortis before moving the limbs.
By the next examination, rigor mortis had begun to pass.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- rigor mortis
Usage notes
Primary category: horror. Not permanent, and onset and duration vary. Distinguish it from cold-related stiffness and avoid a precise time-of-death claim based on it alone. Usually uncountable in this sense; no routine plural.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
Keep a thought for later. Sign in to save privately.