cynic spasm
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ri·sus ca·ni·nus
(rī'sŭs kā-nī'nŭs)The semblance of a grin caused by facial spasm, especially in tetanus.
Synonym(s): cynic spasm, sardonic grin.
Synonym(s): cynic spasm, sardonic grin.
[L. risus, laugh + caninus, doglike]
cynic spasm
Spasm of the facial muscles causing a grin or snarl like a dog. Synonym: risus sardonicus
See also: spasm