Expression \Ex*pres"sion\ ([e^]ks*pr[e^]sh"[u^]n), n. [L. expressio: cf. F. expression.]

1. The act of expressing; the act of forcing out by pressure; as, the expression of juices or oils; also, of extorting or eliciting; as, a forcible expression of truth.

2. The act of declaring or signifying; declaration; utterance; as, an expression of the public will.

With this tone of philosophy were mingled expressions of sympathy. --Prescott.

3. Lively or vivid representation of meaning, sentiment, or feeling, etc.; significant and impressive indication, whether by language, appearance, or gesture; that manner or style which gives life and suggestive force to ideas and sentiments; as, he reads with expression; her performance on the piano has expression.

The imitators of Shakespeare, fixing their attention on his wonderful power of expression, have directed their imitation to this. --M. Arnold.

4. That which is expressed by a countenance, a posture, a work of art, etc.; look, as indicative of thought or feeling. ``The expression of an eye.''

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)