Pronunciation: [ˈalɡər mˈɔːtiz] (IPA) 
The spelling of "Algor Mortis" follows the Latin roots of the phrase, meaning "coldness of death." In terms of pronunciation, "Algor" is pronounced with a short "a" sound, as in "cat," followed by a hard "g" and a long "o" sound. "Mortis" is pronounced with a short "o" sound, as in "pot," followed by a rolled "r," a soft "t," and a long "i" sound. Together, the phrase is pronounced as "AL-gor MOR-tis."
Algor mortis, derived from the Latin terms algor (meaning coldness) and mortis (meaning death), refers to the postmortem cooling process that occurs in a deceased body to reach the ambient temperature of the surroundings. It is one of the four stages of death, alongside rigor mortis, livor mortis, and decomposition.
Immediately after death, the body temperature begins to decrease due to the absence of metabolism. Algor mortis is influenced by various factors, including ambient temperature, body composition, clothing, and circumstances surrounding death. In general, a body loses heat at a rate of about 1.5 degrees Fahrenheit or 0.83 degrees Celsius per hour until it reaches the ambient temperature.
During the early stages of algor mortis, the cooling process may be faster due to the presence of a large temperature gradient between the body and the surrounding environment. However, as time progresses, the difference in temperature decreases, slowing down the cooling rate. This process continues until the body temperature matches that of the environment.
Forensic experts can use algor mortis to provide an estimate of the time of death or to determine if a body has been moved or otherwise tampered with. However, various factors can affect the accuracy of these estimates, such as insulation from clothing or environmental factors, making it important to consider other factors and evidence in conjunction with algor mortis when establishing the time of death.
The word "Algor Mortis" is of Latin origin. "Algor" means coldness or chill, while "Mortis" means of death. When combined, "Algor Mortis" literally translates to "the coldness of death". It is a term commonly used in forensic science to describe the postmortem cooling of the body.
