rictal

adjective

ric·​tal ˈrik-tᵊl How to pronounce rictal (audio)
: of, relating to, or being a rictus
a rictal grin
… the female [bird] has a longer tail, wider bill, and more rictal bristles, for catching insects in midair.—Jared M. Diamond

Word History

First Known Use

1825, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rictal was in 1825

Browse Nearby Words

ricotta
rictal
rictus
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Cite this Entry

“Rictal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rictal. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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