[ex.press] adj [ME, fr. MF expres, fr. L expressus, pp. of exprimere to press out, express, fr. ex- + premere to press--more at press] (14c) 1 a: directly, firmly, and explicitly stated "my ~ orders" b: exact, precise
2. a: designed for or adapted to its purpose b: of a particular sort: specific "for that ~ purpose" 3 a: traveling at high speed; specif: traveling with few or no stops along the way "~ train" b: adapted or suitable for travel at high speed "an ~ highway" c Brit: designated to be delivered without delay by special messenger syn see explicit
[2]express adv (14c) 1 obs: expressly
2: by express "delivered ~" [3]express n (1619) 1 a Brit: a messenger sent on a special errand b Brit: a dispatch conveyed by a special messenger c (1): a system for the prompt and safe transportation of parcels, money, or goods at rates higher than standard freight charges (2): a company operating such a merchandise freight service d Brit: special delivery
2: an express vehicle [4]express vt [ME, fr. MF & L; MF expresser, fr. OF, fr. expres, adj., fr. L expressus, pp.] (14c) 1 a: delineate, depict b: to represent in words: state c: to give or convey a true impression of: show, reflect d: to make known the opinions or feelings of (oneself) e: to give expression to the artistic or creative impulses or abilities of (oneself) f: to represent by a sign or symbol: symbolize
2. a: to force out (as the juice of a fruit) by pressure b: to subject to pressure so as to extract something
3: to send by express
4: to cause (a gene) to manifest its effects in the phenotype -- ex.press.er n -- ex.press.ible adj syn express, vent, utter, voice, broach, air mean to make known what one thinks or feels. express suggests an impulse to reveal in words, gestures, actions, or what one creates or produces "expressed her feelings in music". vent stresses a strong inner compulsion to express esp. in words "a tirade venting his frustration". utter implies the use of the voice not necessarily in articulate speech "utter a groan". voice does not necessarily imply vocal utterance but does imply expression or formulation in words "an editorial voicing their concerns". broach adds the implication of disclosing for the first time something long thought over or reserved for a suitable occasion "broached the subject of a divorce". air implies an exposing or parading of one's views often in order to gain relief or sympathy or attention "publicly airing their differences".