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rigor mortis

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rigor mortis (rĭ`gər môr`tĭs), rigidity of the body that occurs after death. The onset may vary from about 10 min to several hours or more after death, depending on the condition of the body at death and on factors in the atmosphere, particularly temperature. Rigor mortis affects the facial musculature first and then spreads to other parts of the body. It is caused by chemical changes in the muscle tissue. The state of rigor usually lasts about 24 hours or until muscle decomposition takes place by acid formation.
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They are in a state of extreme contraction, far exceeding the usual rigor mortis.
Sign of the Four by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan View in context
The dead don't sigh, and for all practical purposes I was that, except for the final consummation, the growing cold, the rigor mortis - that blessed state
The Arrow of Gold by Conrad, Joseph View in context
His muscles were set as hard as a board in the most exaggerated rigor mortis, while the contraction of the fibres had drawn his mouth into a hard sardonic grin.
The Poison Belt by Doyle, Sir Arthur Conan View in context
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