impression

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of pressing one thing on or into the surface of another

   I watched the impression of the seal on the hot wax.

2. 2
   noun

   an impressionistic portrayal of a person

   I did a funny impression of a politician.

3. 3
   noun

   (dentistry) an imprint of the teeth and gums in wax or plaster

   the dentist took an impression for use in preparing an inlay

4. 4
   noun

   an outward appearance

   They made a good impression.

5. 5
   noun

   a vague idea in which some confidence is placed

   My impression of them was favorable.

6. 6
   noun

   a concavity in a surface produced by pressing

   They left the impression of their fingers in the soft mud.

7. 7
   noun

   The indentation or depression made by the pressure of one object on or into another.

   His head made an impression on the pillow.

8. 8
   noun

   The overall effect of something, e.g., on a person.

   He tried to make a good impression on his parents.

Etymology

From Old French impression, from Latin impressio. Equivalent to impress + -ion.