risus sardonicus

British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of risus sardonicus

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

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

Even in the very act of dying she could not check her smiling, which assuredly was as morbid in its quality and origin as what of old was known as 'risus sardonicus.'

From Project Gutenberg