express

express [ek spres′, ikspres′]

vt.

[ME expressen < ML expressare < L expressus, pp. of exprimere, to express, lit., force out < ex-, out + premere: see PRESS¹]

1. to press out or squeeze out (juice, etc.)

2. to get by pressure; elicit by force; extort

3. to put into words; represent by language; state

4.

a) to make known; reveal; show [his face expressed sorrow]

b) to show (a genetic trait)

5. to picture, represent, or symbolize in music, art, etc.

6. to show by sign; symbolize; signify [the sign + expresses addition ]

☆ 7. to send by express

adj.

[ME & OFr expres < L expressus]

1.

a) expressed and not implied; explicit [to give express orders]

b) specific [his express reason for going]

2. exact [she is the express image of her aunt]

3. made for or suited to a special purpose [express regulations]

4. [orig., for the express purpose of running to one station] fast, direct, and making few stops [an express train]

5. characterized by speed or velocity; specif.,

a) for fast driving [an express highway]

b) high-speed [an express bullet]

c) for high-speed projectiles [an express rifle]

d) having to do with railway express, pony express, etc.

adv.

by express

n.

1. Chiefly Brit.

a) a special messenger; courier

b) a message delivered by such a messenger; dispatch sent swiftly

2.

a) an express train, bus, elevator, etc.

b) an express rifle

3. the pony express

4.

☆ a) a method or service for transporting goods or sending money or mail rapidly, but at extra cost

b) the goods transported or money sent by express

c) a business concern operating such a service

5. any method or means of swift transmission

SYN.- EXPLICIT, UTTER²

——————

express oneself

1. to state one's thoughts

2. to give expression to one's feelings, imagination, etc., in creative or artistic activity

expresser

n.

expressible

adj.