Laughter

Table of contents

1 Etymology 2 Pronunciation 3 Noun 3.1 Translations

Etymology

Pronunciation

1. A movement (usually involuntary) of the muscles of the face, particularly of the lips, with a peculiar expression of the eyes, indicating merriment, satisfaction, or derision, and usually attended by a sonorous and interrupted expulsion of air from the lungs. See laugh (v. intr.)

   Quotations

   • The act of laughter, which is a sweet contraction of the muscles of the face, and a pleasant agitation of the vocal organs, is not merely, or totally within the jurisdiction of ourselves. - Sir Thomas Browne
   • Archly the maiden smiled, and with eyes overrunning with laughter - Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

2. The sound produced by air so expelled.