rigor
rigor Lexical Profile
rigor Game Scores & Validity
• noun
American The quality of being extremely thorough, exhaustive, or accurate in method, analysis, or practice.
"The research paper was praised by the committee for its intellectual rigor and clear methodology."
American Harsh, demanding, or unpleasant conditions of life, weather, or an undertaking (usually used in the plural).
"The sturdy tent was designed to withstand the rigors of an alpine winter."
American Severity or strictness in attitude, judgment, or discipline.
"The rules of the monastery were enforced with uncompromising rigor."
A sudden feeling of coldness accompanied by shivering and a rapid rise in body temperature, often marking the onset of a high fever.
"The patient experienced a severe rigor shortly before her temperature spiked."
Word Nuance & Usage
Spelled 'rigor' in American English and 'rigour' in British English; however, in clinical medical contexts (such as 'rigor mortis' or a sudden febrile chill), the spelling 'rigor' is retained globally.
• Rhymes for rigor
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed through Old French from Latin rigor ('stiffness, numbness, or harshness'), from the verb rigere ('to be stiff or numb').