risorius C2+ Topic:The Human Body US /ɹɪˈsɔɹ.i.əs/ UK /ɹɪˈsɔː.ɹi.əs/ See IPA manual Freq #327798 Meanings 1 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. The risorius draws the corner of the mouth laterally. Thesaurus Synonyms smiling muscle Etymology Borrowed from Late Latin rīsōrius (“ridiculous, laughing”), clipping of mūsculus rīsōrius (“laughing muscle”). Topics The Human Body External links Cambridge Dictionary Wiktionary Google Images # risorius **Type:** Word **Level:** C2+ **Part of speech:** noun **IPA (US):** /ɹɪˈsɔɹ.i.əs/ **IPA (UK):** /ɹɪˈsɔː.ɹi.əs/ **Frequency rank:** 327798 ## Meanings 1. 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. ## Examples - The risorius draws the corner of the mouth laterally. ## Synonyms - smiling muscle ## Etymology Borrowed from Late Latin rīsōrius (“ridiculous, laughing”), clipping of mūsculus rīsōrius (“laughing muscle”). ## Topics - The Human Body markdown