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circumlocution

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion [ sùrkəm lō kysh'n ] (plural cir·cum·lo·cu·tions)

noun

Definition:

1. indirect way of saying something: the use of more words than necessary to express something, especially to avoid saying it directly

2. indirect expression: something said using more words than necessary, especially to avoid expressing it directly

[15th century. Directly or via French< Latin circumlocution- "speaking around" < locution- (see locution)]

cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry [ sùrkəm lókyə tàwree ] adjective

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