I. ˈfrāz noun
Etymology: Latin phrasis, from Greek, from phrazein to point out, explain, tell
Date: 1530
1. : a characteristic manner or style of expression : diction
2.
a. : a brief expression ; especially : catchphrase
b. : word
3. : a short musical thought typically two to four measures long closing with a cadence
4. : a word or group of words forming a syntactic constituent with a single grammatical function
an adverbial phrase
5. : a series of dance movements comprising a section of a pattern
II. transitive verb
( phrased ; phras·ing )
Date: 1570
1.
a. : to express in words or in appropriate or telling terms
b. : to designate by a descriptive word or phrase
2. : to divide into melodic phrases