Definition of "periphrase" in English

noun

1. (rhetoric) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.

   • 1821, Thomas De Quincey, John Paul Frederick Richter (published in London Magazine To describe all those on whom the fates of Troy hinged , by enigmatic periphrases

verb

1. (transitive) To express by periphrase or circumlocution.

2. (intransitive) To use circumlocution.