Main Entry: im·pres·sion

Pronunciation: \im-ˈpre-shən\

Function: noun

Date: 14th century

1 a : a characteristic, trait, or feature resulting from some influence <the impression on behavior produced by the social milieu> b : an effect of alteration or improvement <the settlement left little impression on the wilderness> c : a telling image impressed on the senses or the mind
2 : the effect produced by impressing: as a : a stamp, form, or figure resulting from physical contact b : an imprint of the teeth and adjacent portions of the jaw for use in dentistry c : an especially marked and often favorable influence or effect on feeling, sense, or mind
3 : the act of impressing: as a : an affecting by stamping or pressing b : a communicating of a mold, trait, or character by an external force or influence
4 a : the amount of pressure with which an inked printing surface deposits its ink on the paper b : one instance of the meeting of a printing surface and the material being printed; also : a single print or copy so made c : all the copies (as of a book) printed in one continuous operation from a single makeready
5 : an often indistinct or imprecise notion or remembrance
6 a : the first coat of color in painting b : a coat of paint for ornament or preservation
7 : an imitation or representation of salient features in an artistic or theatrical medium; especially : an imitation in caricature of a noted personality as a form of theatrical entertainment

synonyms see idea