Periphrase
Periphrase , noun
[Latin periphrasis, Greek {not transcribed}, from {not transcribed} to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; {not transcribed} + {not transcribed} to speak: compare French périphrase. See Phrase.]
(Rhetoric) 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.
Periphrase , transitive verb
[Compare French périphraser.]
To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
Periphrase , intransitive verb
To use circumlocution.