Literally, the stiffness of death. The rigidity of a body after death. Rigor mortis is a good example of a Latin term (one in this case that was coined in the 19th century) remaining intact in contemporary medical usage (and crime writing). Rigor mortis is due to a biochemical change in the muscles that occurs several hours after death, though the [..]

Temporary stiffening of the muscles which begins within a few hours of death due to biochemical changes. The condition may last for up to four days before subsiding.

the permanent contraction of skeletal muscle associated with death.

Rigor Mortis refers to the stiffening of the limbs of a corpse. This is caused by the chemical change in the muscles after death. Because of the skeletal muscles partially contracting, the muscles are [..]

Temporary stiffening of muscles following death. Fish should be processed either pre- or post rigor, as handling during rigor can cause gaping of the flesh.

Muscular Rigidity which develops in the Cadaver usually from 4 to 10 hours after Death and lasts 3 or 4 days.

Muscular rigidity which develops in the cadaver usually from 4 to 10 hours after death and lasts 3 or 4 days.

Postmortem state 6–24 hours after death in which muscles stiffen and become less extensible; onset of rigor mortis correlates with depletion of ATP in the slaughtered animal.

Temporary stiffness of a body's muscles and joints following death.

"stiffening of the body caused by contraction of muscles after death," 1837, from Latin rigor "stiffness" (see rigor) + mortis, genitive of mors "death" (see mortal).

(rig´or mor´tis) The stiffening of a dead body due to the depletion of ATP and the production of rigor complexes between actin and myosin in muscles. RNA

Stiffening of parts of the body after death (attributed to enzyme breakdown). Robbery