risus caninus

risus caninus definition - medical

ri·sus ca·ni·nus (rīˈsəs kā-nīˈnəs)

noun
The semblance of a grin caused by facial spasm, as in tetanus. Also called canine spasm, cynic spasm, sardonic grin.

The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

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