risorius

R1I1S1O1R1I1U1S1
UK/ɹɪˈsɔː.ɹi.əs/UK/ɹɪˈzɔː.ɹi.əs/US/ɹɪˈsɔɹ.i.əs/US/ɹɪˈzɔɹ.i.əs/

noun

A narrow band of facial muscle arising from the fascia over the masseter and inserting into the tissues at the corner of the mouth, which it draws laterally, as is used when smiling.

OriginLate Latin rīsōrius →
Scrabble 8
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Meanings

nounrisorius (plural risorii)

plural risorii

  1. anatomyA narrow band of facial muscle arising from the fascia over the masseter and inserting into the tissues at the corner of the mouth, which it draws laterally, as is used when smiling.

Origin

  1. Late Latinrīsōrius“ridiculous, laughing”
  2. Englishrisorius

Borrowed from Late Latin rīsōrius (“ridiculous, laughing”), clipping of mūsculus rīsōrius (“laughing muscle”).

More words from Late Latin

Full word history & related roots →

Translations

Chinese Mandarin 笑肌
  • 笑肌 (xiàojī)muscle

Rhymes & wordplay

Rhymes with risorius

gloriousnotoriousvictoriousmeritoriouslaboriousuproariousingloriouscensoriousvaingloriousamatoriousdesultoriousmaritoriousmemoriousraptorioussaltatoriousscoriousself-gloriousuncensoriousungloriousunlaboriousunvictoriousuxorious
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Cite this entry
APA

risorius. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 2, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/risorius

MLA

“risorius.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/risorius. Accessed November 2, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “risorius,” accessed November 2, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/risorius.

Source: risorius on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.