*press*

v. t. [ L. adpressus, p. p. of adprimere. ] See Appressed. -- Ad*pressed", a. [1913 Webster]

{ }, a. [ p. p. appress, which is not in use. See Adpress. ] (Bot.) Pressed close to, or lying against, something for its whole length, as against a stem. Gray. [ 1913 Webster ]

A hydrostatic press of immense power, invented by Joseph Bramah of London. See under Hydrostatic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. A receptacle for clothes. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Compressed p. pr & vb. n. Compressing. ] [ L. compressus, p. p. of comprimere to compress: com- + premere to press. See Press. ] 1. To press or squeeze together; to force into a narrower compass; to reduce the volume of by pressure; to compact; to condense; as, to compress air or water. [ 1913 Webster ]

Events of centuries . . . compressed within the compass of a single life. D. Webster. [ 1913 Webster ]

The same strength of expression, though more compressed, runs through his historical harangues. Melmoth. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To embrace sexually. [ Obs. ] Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Computers) to reduce the space required for storage (of binary data) by an algorithm which converts the data to a smaller number of bits while preserving the information content. The compressed data is usually decompressed to recover the initial data format before subsequent use. [ PJC ]

Syn. -- To crowd; squeeze; condense; reduce; abridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. compresse. ] (Surg.) A folded piece of cloth, pledget of lint, etc., used to cover the dressing of wounds, and so placed as, by the aid of a bandage, to make due pressure on any part. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Pressed together; compacted; reduced in volume by pressure. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) Flattened lengthwise. [ 1913 Webster ]

Compressed-air engine, an engine operated by the elastic force of compressed air. [ 1913 Webster ]

. A cake yeast made by filtering the cells from the liquid in which they are grown, subjecting to heavy pressure, and mixing with starch or flour. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n. [ Cf. F. compressibilité. ] The quality of being compressible of being compressible; as, the compressibility of elastic fluids. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Cf. F. compressible. ] Capable of being pressed together or forced into a narrower compass, as an elastic or spongy substance. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The quality of being compressible; compressibility. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. compressio: cf. F. compression. ] 1. The act of compressing, or state of being compressed. “Compression of thought.” Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Computers) reduction of the space required for storage (of binary data) by an algorithm which converts the data to a smaller number of bits while preserving the information content. The act of compressing { 3 }. Compression may be lossless compression, in which all of the information in the original data is preserved, and the original data may be recovered in form identical to its original form; or lossy compression, in which some of the information in the original data is lost, and decompression results in a data form slightly different from the original. Lossy compression is used, for example, to compress audio or video recordings, and sometimes images, where the slight differences in the original data and the data recovered after lossy compression may be imperceptable to the human eye or ear. The JPEG format is produced by a lossy compression algorithm. [ PJC ]

. A projectile constructed so as to take the grooves of a rifle by means of a soft copper band firmly attached near its base or, formerly, by means of an envelope of soft metal. In small arms the modern projectile, having a soft core and harder jacket, is subjected to compression throughout the entire cylindrical part. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

a. [ Cf. F. compressif. ] Compressing, or having power or tendency to compress; as, a compressive force. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. ] Anything which serves to compress; as: (a) (Anat.) A muscle that compresses certain parts. (b) (Surg.) An instrument for compressing an artery (esp., the femoral artery) or other part. (c) An apparatus for confining or flattening between glass plates an object to be examined with the microscope; -- called also compressorium. (d) (Mach.) A machine for compressing gases; especially, an air compressor. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. Compression. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. one of the genera of cypress trees, the type genus of the Cupressaceae.
Syn. -- genus Cupressus. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n.; pl. Cypresses (-&unr_;z). [ OE. cipres, cipresse, OF. cipres, F. cypr&unr_;s, L. cupressus, cyparissus (cf. the usual Lat. form cupressus), fr. Gr. &unr_;&unr_;&unr_;&unr_;, perh. of Semitic origin; cf. Heb. g&unr_;pher, Gen. vi. 14. ] (Bot) A coniferous tree of the genus Cupressus. The species are mostly evergreen, and have wood remarkable for its durability. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Among the trees called cypress are the common Oriental cypress, Cupressus sempervirens, the evergreen American cypress, Cupressus thyoides (now called Chamaecyparis sphaeroidea), and the deciduous American cypress, Taxodium distichum. As having anciently been used at funerals, and to adorn tombs, the Oriental species is an emblem of mourning and sadness. [ 1913 Webster ]

Cypress vine (Bot.), a climbing plant with red or white flowers (Ipotœa Quamoclit, formerly Quamoclit vulgaris). [ 1913 Webster ]

n. any of several evergreen trees or shrubs of Australia and N Caledonia.
Syn. -- cypress pine. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. i. to undergo the process of decompression. [ PJC ]

v. t. to subject to the process of decompression. [ PJC ]

n. 1. the process of experiencing decompression; the act or process of relieving or reducing pressure.
Syn. -- decompression. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

n. 1. the process of experiencing decompression; the act or process of relieving or reducing pressure.
Syn. -- decompressing. [ WordNet 1.5 +PJC ]

2. the reduction of atmospheric pressure experienced by divers rising from deep water to the surface, thus reducing the concentration of dissolved atmospheric gases in the blood; -- especially applied to a gradual reduction of such pressure. [ PJC ]

3. the process, analogous to sense 2, undergone by divers in a decompression chamber, in which an artificially high atmospheric pressure is gradually lowered to normal pressure. [ PJC ]

4. a return to a normal, more relaxed state after a period of intense stress, psychological pressure, or urgent activity; -- of people. [ PJC ]

5. (Computers) the process of converting digitally encoded data from a more compact (compressed) form to its original, larger size. The process of compression and decompression may completely recover all of the original data (called lossless compression), or may lose some of the original data in order to achieve higher degress of compression (lossy compression). The latter is used especially with images or video data, which may be of very large size relative to text, and for which small changes may be imperceptible to the human eye. The JPEG data compression format is a lossy format. [ PJC ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Depressed p. pr. & vb. n. Depressing. ] [ L. depressus, p. p. of deprimere; de- + premere to press. See Press. ] 1. To press down; to cause to sink; to let fall; to lower; as, to depress the muzzle of a gun; to depress the eyes. “With lips depressed.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To bring down or humble; to abase, as pride. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To cast a gloom upon; to sadden; as, his spirits were depressed. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To lessen the activity of; to make dull; embarrass, as trade, commerce, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To lessen in price; to cause to decline in value; to cheapen; to depreciate. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Math.) To reduce (an equation) in a lower degree. [ 1913 Webster ]

To depress the pole (Naut.), to cause the sidereal pole to appear lower or nearer the horizon, as by sailing toward the equator.

Syn. -- To sink; lower; abase; cast down; deject; humble; degrade; dispirit; discourage. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. depressus, p. p. ] Having the middle lower than the border; concave. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If the seal be depress or hollow. Hammond. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. (Med.) An agent or remedy which lowers the vital powers. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. 1. Pressed or forced down; lowed; sunk; dejected; dispirited; sad; humbled. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) (a) Concave on the upper side; -- said of a leaf whose disk is lower than the border. (b) Lying flat; -- said of a stem or leaf which lies close to the ground. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. (Zool.) Having the vertical diameter shorter than the horizontal or transverse; -- said of the bodies of animals, or of parts of the bodies. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. In a depressing manner. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. depressio: cf. F. dépression. ] 1. The act of depressing. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The state of being depressed; a sinking. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A falling in of the surface; a sinking below its true place; a cavity or hollow; as, roughness consists in little protuberances and depressions. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. Humiliation; abasement, as of pride. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. Dejection; despondency; lowness. [ 1913 Webster ]

In a great depression of spirit. Baker. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Diminution, as of trade, etc.; inactivity; dullness. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. (Astron.) The angular distance of a celestial object below the horizon. [ 1913 Webster ]

8. (Math.) The operation of reducing to a lower degree; -- said of equations. [ 1913 Webster ]

9. (Surg.) A method of operating for cataract; couching. See Couch, v. t., 8. [ 1913 Webster ]

Angle of depression (Geod.), one which a descending line makes with a horizontal plane. --
Depression of the dewpoint (Meteor.), the number of degrees that the dew-point is lower than the actual temperature of the atmosphere. --
Depression of the pole, its apparent sinking, as the spectator goes toward the equator. --
Depression of the visible horizon. (Astron.) Same as Dip of the horizon, under Dip.

Syn. -- Abasement; reduction; sinking; fall; humiliation; dejection; melancholy. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Able or tending to depress or cast down. -- De*press"ive*ness, n. [1913 Webster]

a. (Med.) Depressing or diminishing the capacity for movement, as depressomotor nerves, which lower or inhibit muscular activity. -- n. Any agent that depresses the activity of the motor centers, as bromides, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who, or that which, presses down; an oppressor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Anat.) A muscle that depresses or tends to draw down a part. [ 1913 Webster ]

Depressor nerve (Physiol.), a nerve which lowers the activity of an organ; as, the depressor nerve of the heart. [ 1913 Webster ]

. A machine for drilling holes in metal, the drill being pressed to the metal by the action of a screw. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ OE. empress, emperice, OF. empereis, empereris, fr. L. imperatrix, fem. of imperator. See Emperor. ] 1. The consort of an emperor. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A female sovereign. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A sovereign mistress. “Empress of my soul.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Empress cloth, a cloth for ladies' dresses, either wholly of wool, or with cotton warp and wool weft. It resembles merino, but is not twilled. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ F., fr s'empresser to hasten. ] Demonstrative warmth or cordiality of manner; display of enthusiasm.

He grasped my hand with a nervous empressement. Poe. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

‖a. [ It. ] (Mus.) With expression. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ F. exprès, L. expressus, p. p. of exprimere to express; ex. out + premere To press. See Press. ] 1. Exactly representing; exact. [ 1913 Webster ]

Their human countenance
The express resemblance of the gods. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Directly and distinctly stated; declared in terms; not implied or left to inference; made unambiguous by intention and care; clear; not dubious; as, express consent; an express statement. [ 1913 Webster ]

I have express commandment. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Intended for a particular purpose; relating to an express; sent on a particular errand; dispatched with special speed; as, an express messenger or train. Also used adverbially. [ 1913 Webster ]

A messenger sent express from the other world. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. of or pertaining to an express train or other conveyance designated an express{ 5 }; makiung few or no intermediate stops; as, an express stop; an express fare; an express elevator. [ PJC ]

Express color. (Law) See the Note under Color, n., 8.

Syn. -- Explicit; clear; unambiguous. See Explicit. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. exprès a messenger. ] 1. A clear image or representation; an expression; a plain declaration. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

The only remanent express of Christ's sacrifice on earth. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A messenger sent on a special errand; a courier; hence, a regular and fast conveyance; commonly, a company or system for the prompt and safe transportation of merchandise or parcels. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. An express office. [ 1913 Webster ]

She charged him . . . to ask at the express if anything came up from town. E. E. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. That which is sent by an express messenger or message. [ Obs. ] Eikon Basilike. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. a railway train or bus for transporting passengers or goods with speed and punctuality; a train or bus that does not stop at certain stations. Contrasted to local; as, take the express to get there faster.
Syn. -- express train. [ PJC ]

Express office, an office where packages for an express are received or delivered. --
Express train, a railway train (such as a subway train) that does not stop at certain stations, but only at stations designated express stops. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Expressed p. pr. & vb. n. Expressing. ] [ Cf. OF. espresser, expresser, L. exprimere, expressum. See Express, a.; cf. Sprain. ] 1. To press or squeeze out; as, to express the juice of grapes, or of apples; hence, to extort; to elicit. [ 1913 Webster ]

All the fruits out of which drink is expressed. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

And th'idle breath all utterly expressed. Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ]

Halters and racks can not express from thee
More than by deeds. B. Jonson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To make or offer a representation of; to show by a copy or likeness; to represent; to resemble. [ 1913 Webster ]

Each skillful artist shall express thy form. E. Smith. [ 1913 Webster ]

So kids and whelps their sires and dams express. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To give a true impression of; to represent and make known; to manifest plainly; to show in general; to exhibit, as an opinion or feeling, by a look, gesture, and esp. by language; to declare; to utter; to tell. [ 1913 Webster ]

My words express my purpose. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

They expressed in their lives those excellent doctrines of morality. Addison. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To make known the opinions or feelings of; to declare what is in the mind of; to show (one's self); to cause to appear; -- used reflexively. [ 1913 Webster ]

Mr. Phillips did express with much indignation against me, one evening. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To denote; to designate. [ 1913 Webster ]

Moses and Aaron took these men, which are expressed by their names. Num. i. 17. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. To send by express messenger; to forward by special opportunity, or through the medium of an express; as, to express a package.

7. (Genetics) to produce products that cause the appearance of the corresponding phenotype; -- of a gene or of an organism with a specific gene; as, to express the beta-galactosidase gene, [ PJC ]

Syn. -- To declare; utter; signify; testify; intimate. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. The charge for carrying a parcel by express. [ 1913 Webster ]

adj. 1. Communicated in words.
Syn. -- uttered, verbalized. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. Precisely and clearly expressed, leaving nothing to implication. Opposite of implicit. [ Narrower terms: graphic ] Also See: definite, denotative, denotive, overt, open, unequivocal, unambiguous.
Syn. -- explicit, express. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. Capable of being expressed, squeezed out, shown, represented, or uttered. -- Express"i*bly,adv. [1913 Webster]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The act of declaring or signifying; declaration; utterance; as, an expression of the public will. [ 1913 Webster ]

With this tone of philosophy were mingled expressions of sympathy. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

The imitators of Shakespeare, fixing their attention on his wonderful power of expression, have directed their imitation to this. M. Arnold. [ 1913 Webster ]

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.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

It still wore the majesty of expression so conspicuous in his portraits by the inimitable pencil of Titian. Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. A form of words in which an idea or sentiment is conveyed; a mode of speech; a phrase; as, a common expression; an odd expression. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. (Math.) The representation of any quantity or relation by appropriate characters or symbols, usually in a specific order. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]

7. (Genetics) the production of products by a gene that cause the appearance of the corresponding protein or phenotype; -- of a gene or of an organism with a specific gene; as, the expression the beta-galactosidase positive phenotype, [ PJC ]

8. (Computers) a combination of characters linked by operators, occurring as part of the code of a computer program, which must be evaluated according to the rules of the computer language in order to produce a resulting value. [ PJC ]

In most programming languages, (a + b) is an expression indicating simple arithmetic addition, if the variables a and b are real numbers. Many other types of operation may be used in programs, and each set of symbols indicating an operation is an expression in that program. [ PJC ]

Past expression,
Beyond expression, beyond the power of description. “Beyond expression bright.” Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of, or relating to, expression; phraseological; also, vividly representing or suggesting an idea or sentiment. Fitzed. Hall. Ruskin. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. an art movement early in the 20th century; the artist's subjective expression of inner experiences was emphasized. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. a genre of German painting that tried to show the subjective responses to scenes rather than the scenes themselves. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. an artist who is an adherent of expressionism. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adj. 1. of or pertaining to expressionism (definition 2); as, expressionist art. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

a. Destitute of expression. [ 1913 Webster ]