periphrase

Per"i*phrase, n. Etym: [L. periphrasis, Gr. périphrase. See Phrase.] (Rhet.) Defn: 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. Per"i*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased; p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.] Etym: [Cf. F. périphraser.] Defn: To express by periphrase or circumlocution. Per"i*phrase, v. i. Defn: To use circumlocution.

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