rictus Hear it!

rictus definition

ric·tus (rik′təs)

noun

  1. a sustained gaping, as of a bird's beak or an animal's mouth
  2. the opening so produced
  3. a fixed, gaping grin

Etymology: ModL < L, open mouth < pp. of ringi, to gape

Related Forms:

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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