circumlocution Hear it!

circumlocution definition

circum·lo·cu·tion (-lō kyo̵̅o̅′s̸hən)

noun

  1. a roundabout, indirect, or lengthy way of expressing something; periphrasis
  2. an instance of this

Etymology: ME circumlocucioun < L circumlocutio: see circum- & locution

Related Forms:

  • circumlocutory cir′·cum·loc′·u·to′ry (-läk′yə tôr′ē) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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