Definition of circumlocution

Email this page to a friend

< circumjacent

circumlunar >

cir·cum·lo·cu·tion    (sûrkm-l-kyshn) KEY 

NOUN:

1. The use of unnecessarily wordy and indirect language.
2. Evasion in speech or writing.
3. A roundabout expression.

---

ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English circumlocucioun, from Latin circumlocti, circumloctin-, from circumloctus, past participle of circumloqu : circum-, circum- + loqu, to speak; see tolk^w- in Indo-European roots

OTHER FORMS:
circum·locu·tori·ly  (-lky-tôr-l, -tr-) KEY (Adverb), circum·locu·tory  (-tôr, -tr) KEY (Adjective)