rigor mortis

noun rig·or mor·tis \ˌri-gər-ˈmȯr-təs also chiefly British ˌrī-ˌgȯr-\

: a temporary stiffness of the body that happens soon after death

Full Definition of RIGOR MORTIS

: temporary rigidity of muscles occurring after death

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New Latin, stiffness of death

First Known Use: 1847

Medical Dictionary

noun rig·or mor·tis \ˌrig-ər-ˈmȯrt-əs also chiefly British ˌrī-ˌgȯ(ə)r-\

: temporary rigidity of muscles occurring after death

Next Word in the Dictionary: rigorousPrevious Word in the Dictionary: rigorismAll Words Near: rigor mortis

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