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periphrasis definition

pe·riph·ra·sis (pə rif′rə sis)

noun pl. periphrases -·ses′ (-sēz′)

  1. the use of many words where one or a few would do; roundabout way of speaking or writing; circumlocution
  2. an expression that is an instance of this

Etymology: L < Gr < peri-, around + phrazein, to speak

Also periphrase per′i·phrase′ (per′i frāz′)

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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