English
Etymology
L. periphrasis, Gr. , from to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; + to speak: confer F. périphrase. See phrase.
Noun
periphrase (plural: periphrases)
- (rhetorical): The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
#:To describe by enigmatic periphrases. -De Quincey.
Verb
en-verb|periphras|ing
- transitive: To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
- intransitive: To use circumlocution.
References
webster 1913
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