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

The body was bent like a bow but the most unbearable of all was the drawn face and the awful semblance of laughter that has been fitly called risus sardonicus.

From Project Gutenberg

“Risus sardonicus,” cried the priest, “Jesus have mercy!”

From Project Gutenberg

In one of his letters here published, Branwell, sketching a criminal grinning with the halter round his neck, asks the question: 'Is there really such a thing as the Risus Sardonicus?

From Project Gutenberg

The absurdity in it was grim as the risus sardonicus.

From Project Gutenberg

The corners of the mouth frequently retracted into a disagreeable smile, called risus Sardonicus.

From Project Gutenberg