rictus
noun
\
Definition of rictus
1 : the gape of a bird's mouth
2a : the mouth orifice
b : a gaping grin or grimace
Examples of rictus in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
There is certainly something extreme about the serried carcasses, blackened by blow torches to burn off the fur, the faces charred in a rictus grin. — The Economist, "Asia’s appetite for endangered species is relentless," 19 Apr. 2018 Prince’s expression — a rictus of embarrassment, confusion and guilt — belongs in a gallery. — A.o. Scott & Wesley Morris, New York Times, "The 10 Best Actors of the Year," 7 Dec. 2017 And there, standing at the bench, his face contorted in a rictus of hateful intensity, was Mike Krzyzewski. — Will Blythe, Esquire, "Hating Coach K," 1 Apr. 2010 Watching the way photography froze many of their faces into a rictus of rage was chilling. — Wesley Morris, New York Times, "In Movies and on TV, Racism Made Plain," 23 Aug. 2017These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rictus.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on rictus
What made you want to look up rictus? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Difficult Vocab Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of discomfit?
Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Share rictus
Resources for rictus