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- DictionaryRig·or mor·tis/ˌriɡər ˈmôrdəs/
noun
- 1. stiffening of the joints and muscles of a body a few hours after death, usually lasting from one to four days.
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- Rigor mortis
Postmortem stiffening of the limbs of a corpse
Rigor mortis, or postmortem rigidity, is the fourth stage of death. It is one of the recognizable signs of death, characterized by stiffening of the limbs of the corpse caused by chemical changes in the muscles postmortem (mainly calcium). In humans, rigor mortis can occur as soon as four hours after death. Contrary to folklore and common belief, rigor mortis is not permanent and begins to pass wi... Wikipedia
