CIRCUMLOCUTION

[ ˌsə:kəmlə'kju:ʃ(ə)n ]

■ noun the use of many words where fewer would do.

Derivatives

circumlocutory -'lɒkjʊt(ə)ri adjective

Origin

ME: from L. circumlocutio(n-) (translating Gk periphrasis ), from circum 'around' + locutio(n-) from loqui 'speak'.