rigor mortis

noun

rig·​or mor·​tis
ˌri-gər-ˈmȯr-təs,
also chiefly British
ˌrī-ˌgȯ-ˈmȯ-təs How to pronounce rigor mortis (audio)
: temporary rigidity of muscles occurring after death

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Rigor mortis, which translates from Latin as "stiffness of death", sets in quickly and usually ends three or four days after death. The condition results from a lack of certain chemicals in the muscles; it may be affected by muscular activity before death as well as the external temperature. Mystery writers frequently make use of rigor mortis as a means by which the detective or the examiner can determine the time of the victim's death, which often turns out to be all-important in solving the case.

Examples of rigor mortis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
The machine will then cut the gill to pump out the blood to place the fish into rigor mortis, the state of stiffness. Andrew Watman, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 Similarly, cold environments can delay the onset and duration of rigor mortis, or body stiffening. Discover Magazine, 12 Sep. 2024 This is essentially rigor mortis — but for only an isolated area. Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 2 Aug. 2024 Firefighters who attempted to provide aid to Pankratz said his mouth was stiff, indicating rigor mortis. Nicole Lopez, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for rigor mortis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, stiffness of death

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rigor mortis was in 1847

Dictionary Entries Near rigor mortis

Cite this Entry

“Rigor mortis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigor%20mortis. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

rigor mortis

noun
rig·​or mor·​tis ˌrig-ər-ˈmȯrt-əs How to pronounce rigor mortis (audio)
: temporary stiffness of muscles occurring after death
Etymology

from scientific Latin, literally "stiffness of death," from Latin rigēre "to be stiff" — related to rigid

Medical Definition

rigor mortis

noun
rig·​or mor·​tis
ˌrig-ər-ˈmȯrt-əs also chiefly British ˌrī-ˌgȯ(ə)r-
: temporary rigidity of muscles occurring after death

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