Ex-prĕs'sion, n.

(eks-prĕsh'un), n. [Lat. expressio, Fr. expression, Sp. expresion, It. espressione.]

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 representing or giving an impression; 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, &c.; significant and impressive indication, whether by language, by imitative art, or by the features and play of the countenance; that manner or style which gives life and suggestive force to ideas and sentiments. 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, and the like; look, as indicative of thought or feeling. “A pleasing expression of countenance.” Prescott. It still wore the majesty of expression so conspicuous in his portraits by the inimitable pencil of Titian. Prescott.

5. A form of words in which an idea or sentiment is arranged; a mode of speech; a phrase; as, a common expression; an odd expression.
6. (Alg.) The representation of any quantity by its appropriate characters or signs.

Past expression, beyond expression, beyond the power of description; indescribably. “Beyond expression bright.” Milton.