rigor mortis

The term "rigor mortis" originates from Latin, meaning 'stiffness of death', and is crucial in forensic science for estimating the time of death.

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Definition

(technical, academic)The temporary stiffening of muscles and joints occurring after death due to chemical changes in the body.

Rigor mortis sets in within a few hours after death and can last for up to two days.

(technical, academic)A postmortem condition marked by muscle stiffening, used to help determine the time of death.

The forensic pathologist used the stage of rigor mortis to estimate the victim's time of death.

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "rigor mortis":