rictus

• POS: Noun
• HYPHEN: ric=tus

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