risus sardonicus

/ ˈriːsəs sɑːˈdɒnɪkəs /

noun

1. pathol fixed contraction of the facial muscles resulting in a peculiar distorted grin, caused esp by tetanus Also calledtrismus cynicusˈtrɪzməs ˈsɪnɪkəs

Word History and Origins

Origin of risus sardonicus¹

C17: New Latin, literally: sardonic laugh

Example Sentences

They seem, as it were, to know him, and to greet him with such risus sardonicus as they can muster.

From Project Gutenberg

The angles of the mouth may be retracted, producing a grinning expression known as the risus sardonicus.

From Project Gutenberg

There is no justification for regarding the risus sardonicus of the ancients as a tic.

From Project Gutenberg

The invariable symptom of a fatal attack is the Risus Sardonicus.

From Project Gutenberg