what is algor mortis
algor mortis. The cooling of a body after death. Algor mortis theoretically occurs at a rate of 1ÂºC/hour, assuming the decedent is an adult of normal weight and the ambient temperature is circa 20ÂºC. The rate of cooling is increased if the decedent is thin or malnourished, and if the environmental temperature is low and/or if it is windy.