Found 2 items, similar to circumlocution.
English → English (WordNet)
Definition: circumlocution
circumlocution
n 1: a style that involves indirect ways of expressing things
[syn:
periphrasis,
ambage]
2: an indirect way of expressing something [syn:
indirect expression
]
English → English (gcide)
Definition: Circumlocution
Circumlocution
\Cir`cum*lo*cu"tion\, n. [L. circumlocutio, fr.
circumloqui, -locutus, to make use of circumlocution; circum
+ loqui to speak. See
Loquacious.]
The use of many words to express an idea that might be
expressed by few; indirect or roundabout language; a
periphrase.
[1913 Webster]
the plain Billingsgate way of calling names . . . would
save abundance of time lost by circumlocution. --Swift.
[1913 Webster]
Circumlocution office, a term of ridicule for a
governmental office where business is delayed by passing
through the hands of different officials.
[1913 Webster]