Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
rigor mortis
noun
/ˈrɪɡər ˈmɔːrtɪs/
Definition
The stiffening of the muscles after death due to chemical changes in the body.
Examples
- The doctor observed the rigor mortis setting in soon after the time of death.
- Rigor mortis typically begins within two to six hours after death.
- Understanding rigor mortis is important for forensic science.
Meaning
A postmortem condition where muscles become stiff and rigid after the death of an organism.
Synonyms
- Cadaveric rigidity
- Postmortem rigidity
- Stiffness of death
