[ex.pres.sion] n (15c) 1 a: an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (as words): utterance "freedom of ~" b (1): something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else "this gift is an ~ of my admiration for you" (2): a significant word or phrase (3): a mathematical or logical symbol or a meaningful combination of symbols (4): the detectable effect of a gene; also: expressivity 1
2. a: a mode, means, or use of significant representation or symbolism; esp: felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment "read the poem with ~" b (1): the quality or fact of being expressive (2): facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3: an act or product of pressing out -- ex.pres.sion.al adj