risus sardonicus

/ ˈriːsəs sɑːˈdɒnɪkəs /

noun

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

C17: New Latin, literally: sardonic laugh

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

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

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

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

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