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grimace

 - 3 dictionary results

grim⋅ace

[grim-uhs, gri-meys] noun, verb, -aced, -ac⋅ing.
–noun
1. a facial expression, often ugly or contorted, that indicates disapproval, pain, etc.
–verb (used without object)
2. to make grimaces.

Origin:
1645–55; < F ≪ Frankish *grima mask (cf. grime, grim ) + -azo < L -āceus -aceous


grim⋅ac⋅er, noun
grim⋅ac⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To grimace
grim·ace   (grĭm'ĭs, grĭ-mās')   
n.  A sharp contortion of the face expressive of pain, contempt, or disgust.
intr.v.   grim·aced, grim·ac·ing, grim·ac·es
To make a sharp contortion of the face.

[French, from Old French grimache, alteration of grimuche, probably from Frankish *grīma, mask.]
grim'ac·er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

grimace 
1651, from Fr. grimace, from M.Fr. grimache, from O.Fr. grimuche, possibly from Frank. (cf. O.S. grima), from same P.Gmc. root as grim, + pejorative suffix -azo (from L. -aceus).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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