post mortem

Alternative forms

• postmortem
• post-mortem

Etymology

Latin post (“afterwards”) + mortem, from mors (“death”).

Adjective

post mortem (not comparable)

1. Having been inflicted or having occurred after death.

   We shouldn't let these post mortem injuries distract us while looking for the cause of death.

   The post mortem timeline is incomplete.

Adverb

post mortem (not comparable)

1. Occurring after death.

   The injuries were found to have been caused post mortem.

Noun

post mortem (plural post mortems) (abbreviated as PM)

1. An investigation of a corpse to determine the cause of death; an autopsy
2. (figuratively, management) Any investigation after something considered unsuccessful, especially used of meetings, games and sports, software development, and projects of any kind.

See also

• drains up
• post mortem auctoris

Etymology

Latin

Adjective

post mortem (invariable)

1. post mortem