n. & v.
--n.
1. a group of words forming a conceptual unit, but not a sentence.
2 an idiomatic or short pithy expression.
3 a manner or mode of expression (a nice turn of phrase).
4 Mus. a group of notes forming a distinct unit within a larger piece.
--v.tr.
1. express in words (phrased the reply badly).
2 (esp. when reading aloud or speaking) divide (sentences etc.) into units so as to convey the meaning of the whole.
3 Mus. divide (music) into phrases etc. in performance.
Phrases and idioms:
phrase book a book for tourists etc. listing useful expressions with their equivalent in a foreign language.
Derivatives:
phrasing n.
Etymology: earlier phrasis f. L f. Gk f. phrazo declare, tell