risus sardonicus

/ ˈriːsəs sɑːˈdɒnɪkəs /

noun

1. Also called: trismus cynicus. pathol fixed contraction of the facial muscles resulting in a peculiar distorted grin, caused esp by tetanus

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.

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

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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?

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The absurdity in it was grim as the risus sardonicus.

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

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