rig·or mor·tis \ˌrigərˈmȯr]d.ə̇s, ]tə̇s, -gəˈmȯ(ə)], chiefly Brit |rīˌgȯ(ə)ˈm- or ˌrīgəˈm-\noun Etymology: Latin, stiffness of death : rigidity of muscles after death depending in time of onset and duration upon variable factors in the body and in the environment