the use of a word or phrase that is less expressive or direct but considered less distasteful, less offensive, etc. than another
a word or phrase so substituted (Ex.: remains for corpse)
Origin:
Gr euphēmismos < euphēmizein, to use words of good omen < euphēmos, of good sound or omen < eu- (see eu-) + phēmē, speech< phanai, say: see ban