periphrasis Hear it!

periphrasis Definition

pe·riph·ra·sis (pə rif′rə sis)

noun pl. -·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

periphrasis Synonyms

periphrasis

n.

circumlocution, ambiguity, evasion; see wordiness.