facial expression

Noun

facial expression (countable and uncountable, plural facial expressions)

1. (A particular) configuration of the facial muscles that conveys certain emotions or intentions.
   • But the yokel, being a yokel, was not good at the reading of facial expression, and only knew that a remarkably fine woman had gone by smiling.1883, David Christie Murray, Hearts, Volume 3, page 2
   • The theory does not propose that facial expressions are more important than thoughts or memories in prompting emotions. But it points to the physiology of facial expression as a cause of emotions in its own right.1989 July 18, Daniel Goleman, “A Feel-Good Theory: A Smile Affects Mood”, in The New York Times, New York, N.Y.: The New York Times Company, →ISSN, →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   expression, face, look, mien