periphrasis

[ puh-rif-ruh-sis ]

/ pəˈrɪf rə sɪs /

the use of an unnecessarily long or roundabout form of expression; circumlocution.

an expression phrased in such fashion.

Also per·i·phrase

[per-uh-freyz] /ˈpɛr əˌfreɪz/.

Origin of periphrasis

1525–35; < Latin < Greek períphrasis. See peri-, phrase, -sis

It is to be hoped this new word may be admitted, as the laying of eggs cannot otherwise be expressed without a periphrasis.

An Introduction to Entomology: Vol. I (of 4) |William Kirby
His classical fancy, his elegant turn for periphrasis and his venomous sting alike made him the idol of that urbane age.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 9, Slice 6 |Various
The greatest is the making the very dispensation objected to, the periphrasis of his title.

The Works of Alexander Pope, Volume 2 (of 10) |Alexander Pope
None, I suppose, would dispute the fact that periphrasis tends much to sublimity.

On the Sublime |Longinus

Owing to the vagueness of the word this must be translated here by a periphrasis such as "an individual is formed."

Harvey's Views on the Use of the Circulation of the Blood |John G. Curtis

periphrasis

/ (pəˈrɪfrəsɪs) /

a roundabout way of expressing something; circumlocution

an expression of this kind

C16: via Latin from Greek, from peri- + phrazein to declare