1. The outside or superficial portions of a body; the surface.
2. (Geom.)
Defn: The circumference of a circle, ellipse, or other figure.
PERIPHRASE
Per"i*phrase, n. Etym: [L. periphrasis, Gr. périphrase. See Phrase.]
(Rhet.)
Defn: The use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution. "To describe by enigmatic periphrases." De Quincey.
PERIPHRASE
Per"i*phrase, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Periphrased; p. pr. & vb. n.
Periphrasing.] Etym: [Cf. F. périphraser.]
Defn: To express by periphrase or circumlocution.
PERIPHRASE
Per"i*phrase, v. i.
Defn: To use circumlocution.
PERIPHRASIS
Pe*riph"ra*sis, n.; pl. Periphrases. Etym: [L.]