Per"i*phrase (?), n. [L. periphrasis, Gr. &?;, fr. &?; to think about, to be expressed periphrastically; &?; + &?; to speak: cf. F. périphrase. See Phrase.] (Rhet.) The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution. "To describe by enigmatic periphrases." De Quincey.

Per"i*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.] [Cf. F. périphraser.] To express by periphrase or circumlocution.

Per"i*phrase, v. i. To use circumlocution.

• (rhetorical): The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.
       To describe by enigmatic periphrases. -De Quincey.
  
• (transitive): To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
  
• (intransitive): To use circumlocution.