Word Study
rictus
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun rictus has 1 sense
- rictus(n = noun.communication) - a gaping grimace; is a kind of gape
CIDE DICTIONARY
rictus, n. [L., the aperture of the mouth.].
The gape of the mouth, as of birds; -- often resricted to the corners of the mouth. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
rictus, n. Anat. & Zool. the expanse or gape of a mouth or beak.
Derivative
rictal adj.
Etymology
L, = open mouth f. ringi rict- to gape
THESAURUS
rictus
bob, bobble, bounce, bump, didder, dither, falter, grimace, jar, jerk, jig, jigget, jiggle, jog, joggle, jolt, jostle, moue, mow, pout, quake, quaver, quiver, shake, shiver, shock, shudder, snarl, tic, tremble, tremor, twitch, twitter, wobble, wry face, wry mouth
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