express

views updated Jun 27 2018

ex·press1 / ikˈspres/ • v. [tr.] 1. convey (a thought or feeling) in words or by gestures and conduct: he expressed complete satisfaction. ∎  (express oneself) say what one thinks or means: with a diplomatic smile, she expressed herself more subtly. ∎  chiefly Math. represent (a number, relation, or property) by a figure, symbol, or formula: constants can be expressed in terms of the Fourier transform. ∎  (usu. be expressed) Genetics cause (an inherited characteristic or gene) to appear in a phenotype.2. squeeze out (liquid or air).DERIVATIVES: ex·press·er n.ex·press·i·ble adj.ex·press2 • adj. operating at high speed: an express airmail service. ∎  (of a train or other vehicle of public transportation) making few intermediate stops and so reaching its destination quickly: an express train. an express elevator. Compare with local. ∎  denoting a company undertaking the transportation of letters and packages, esp. one promising overnight or other rapid delivery: the nation's biggest express package shipper. ∎ chiefly Brit. denoting a service in which messages or goods are delivered by a special messenger to ensure speed or security: an express letter.• adv. by express train or delivery service: I got my wife to send my gloves express to the hotel.• n. 1. an express train or other vehicle of public transportation: we embarked for the south of France on an overnight express.2. an overnight or rapid delivery service: the books arrived by express.3. an express rifle.• v. [tr.] send by express delivery or messenger: I expressed my clothes to my destination.ex·press3 • adj. definitely stated, not merely implied: it was his express wish that the celebration continue. ∎  precisely and specifically identified to the exclusion of anything else: the schools were founded for the express purpose of teaching deaf children.DERIVATIVES: ex·press·ly adv.

Express

views updated May 14 2018

EXPRESS

Clear; definite; explicit; plain; direct; unmistakable; not dubious or ambiguous. Declared in terms; set forth in words. Directly and distinctly stated. Made known distinctly and explicitly, and not left to inference. Manifested by direct and appropriate language, as distinguished from that which is inferred from conduct. The word is usually contrasted with implied.

That which is express is laid out in words, such as an expresswarranty, which is an oral or written affirmation from a seller to a buyer of goods that certain standards will be met. Such a warranty may include the promise that any defect which occurs during a certain specified time period will be remedied at the seller's expense. This is distinguishable from an implied warranty, which is neither written nor based on any specific oral statement from seller to buyer but is implied through the sale itself. A common example is the implied warranty of merchantability, which implies that an item is fit for the usual purposes for which it was purchased.

Express authority is plainly or distinctly delegated power to an agent by a principal. For example, the owner of a store may expressly give employees the authority to accept deliveries in the owner's name.

express

views updated May 14 2018

express portray, represent; press out XIV. — OF. expresser — Rom. *expressāre, f. EX-1 + pressāre PRESS; repr. in use L. exprimere.
So adj. explicitly stated; specially designed for a purpose XIV (express train orig. special train, XIX). — (O)F. exprès — L. expressus distinctly or manifestly presented, pp. of exprimere. expression representation, manifestation XV; pressing out XVI. expressive †tending to expel XIV; full of expression XVII; serving to express XVIII. — F. or medL.