Circumlocution
WordNet
noun
(1) An indirect way of expressing something
(2) A style that involves indirect ways of expressing things
WiktionaryText
Etymology
- Latin circumlocutio, literally a speaking (locutio) around (circum). Probably a calque of Ancient Greek περίφρασις (periphrasis, periphrasis).
Noun
- a roundabout or indirect way of speaking; the use of more words than necessary to express an idea.
- a roundabout expression.