Algor mortis

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Signs of death
Pallor mortis Algor mortis Rigor mortis Livor mortis Decomposition

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 (36.9° C − rectal temperature) / 1.5, giving hours elapsed since death.

As decomposition occurs the internal body temperature tends to rise again.