Main Entry: cir·cum·lo·cu·tion

Pronunciation: \ˌsər-k^əm-lō-ˈkyü-shən\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English circumlocucyon, from Latin circumlocution-, circumlocutio, from circum- + locutio speech, from loqui to speak

Date: 15th century

1 : the use of an unnecessarily large number of words to express an idea
2 : evasion in speech

— cir·cum·loc·u·to·ry \-ˈlä-kyə-ˌtȯr-ē\ adjective