Algor mortis
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Algor mortis (Latin: algor—coolness; mortis—death) is the reduction in body temperature following death. This is generally a steady decline until matching ambient temperature, although external factors can have a significant influence.
A measured rectal temperature can give some indication of the time of death. The Glaister equation, for example, is (98.4° F − rectal temperature)/1.5, giving hours elapsed since death.
The signs of death are usually noted as algor mortis, rigor mortis, livor mortis, and decomposition. As decomposition occurs the internal body temperature tends to rise again.