Skip to main content
risus

risus

9.9
A sudden tightening of face muscles you cannot control that makes a fixed grin
  • noun
  • /ˈraɪsəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : risus
  • A classic symptom of tetanus is the involuntary risus seen in severe cases.

Examples

  • Doctors noted the presence of risus during the neurological examination.

  • The patient developed a risus as a result of the infection.

  • The patient exhibited a peculiar risus during the examination.

  • Doctors noted the risus as a symptom of the condition.

  • A classic symptom of tetanus is the involuntary risus seen in severe cases.

  • Doctors noted the presence of risus during the neurological examination.

  • The patient developed a risus as a result of the infection.

Synonyms

rictus
vsrisus
3 9.9

A fixed face that shows the teeth because of pain, fear, or a strong feeling

is a medical involuntary muscle spasm that produces a grinlike expression

Surface Forms

risus singular
risuses plural

Etymology

Risus comes from Latin and literally means 'laughter', from the verb ridere 'to laugh'. In medicine it names a sudden, often involuntary grin or facial spasm, so doctors use risus because the face looks like 'laughter' even when the person is not smiling on purpose.