Dictionary
expression
noun ex·pres·sion \ik-ˈspre-shən\
: the act of making your thoughts, feelings, etc., known by speech, writing, or some other method : the act of expressing something
: a word or phrase
: the way someone's face looks that shows emotions and feelings
Full Definition of EXPRESSION
1
a : an act, process, or instance of representing in a medium (as words) : utterance <freedom of expression> b (1) : something that manifests, embodies, or symbolizes something else <this gift is an expression 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; especially : felicitous or vivid indication or depiction of mood or sentiment <read the poem with expression> 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 \-ˈspresh-nəl, -ˈspre-shə-nəl\ adjective
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First Known Use of EXPRESSION
15th century
Related to EXPRESSION
- Synonyms
- articulation, formulation, phrasing, statement, utterance, verbalism, voice, wording
Rhymes with EXPRESSION
accession, aggression, bull session, compression, concession, confession, depression, digression, discretion, egression, impression, ingression, jam session, obsession, oppression, precession, procession, profession, progression, recession, refreshen, regression, repression, secession, skull session, succession, suppression, transgression
EXPRESSION Defined for Kids
expression
noun ex·pres·sion \ik-ˈspre-shən\
Definition of EXPRESSION for Kids
1
: the act or process of making known especially in words
2
: a meaningful word or saying <Grandpa uses old-fashioned expressions.>
3
: the look on someone's face <She had a pleased expression.>
4
: a way of speaking, singing, or playing that shows mood or feeling <She read her lines with expression.>
Medical Dictionary
expression
noun ex·pres·sion \ik-ˈspresh-ən\
Medical Definition of EXPRESSION
1
a : something that manifests, represents, reflects, embodies, or symbolizes something else <the first clinical expression of a disease> b (1) : the detectable effect of a gene; also : the sum of the processes (as transcription and translation) by which a gene is manifested in the phenotype <gene expression can be controlled by regulatory proteins that bind to specific sites on DNA—Mark Ptashne> (2) : expressivity
2
: facial aspect or vocal intonation as indicative of feeling
3
: an act or product of pressing out
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