post-mortem
UK: /ˌpəʊst ˈmɔː.təm/ | US: /ˌpoʊst ˈmɔːr.təm/
n. an examination of a dead body to determine the cause of death
n. an analysis or discussion of an event after it has occurred
adj. occurring or done after death
The word "post-mortem" originates from Latin, combining "post" (meaning "after") and "mortem" (the accusative form of "mors," meaning "death"). It was adopted into English in the early 19th century, initially used in medical contexts to refer to autopsies. Over time, its usage expanded metaphorically to describe any retrospective analysis of an event. The logical progression reflects the literal (after death) to the figurative (after the fact).
The coroner conducted a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.
The team held a post-mortem meeting to analyze the project's failures.
Post-mortem examinations are standard procedure in forensic investigations.
The book offers a post-mortem of the company's collapse.
His post-mortem fame grew as his unpublished works were discovered.