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periphrase

 - 2 dictionary results

pe⋅riph⋅ra⋅sis

  [puh-rif-ruh-sis]
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–noun, plural -ses  [-seez] .
1. the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.
2. an expression phrased in such fashion.
Also, per⋅i⋅phrase  [per-uh-freyz] .

Origin:
1525–35; < L < Gk períphrasis. See peri-, phrase, -sis
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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Word Origin & History

periphrasis 
1533, from L. periphrasis "circumlocution," from Gk. periphrasis, from periphrazein "speak in a roundabout way," from peri- "round about" + phrazein "to express."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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