Definition of espresso

The origins of the word "espresso" date back to the late 19th century. The term "espresso" is derived from the Italian word "esprimere," which means "to express" or "to squeeze out." This refers to the process of forcing pressurized hot water through finely ground coffee beans to extract the flavorful oils and solids, resulting in a concentrated coffee drink. The word "espresso" was first used in the early 20th century by Luigi Bezzera, an Italian engineer who patented the first espresso machine in 1884. He used the term to describe his invention's ability to quickly and efficiently extract coffee's essential oils and flavor compounds. Over time, the term "espresso" gained popularity, and today it's a widely recognized and beloved coffee drink around the world.