periphrase

(Rhet.) 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.

Per·i·phrase
v. t.

[imp. & p. p. Periphrased ; p. pr. & vb. n. Periphrasing.]
[Cf. F. périphraser.]
To express by periphrase or circumlocution.

Per·i·phrase
v. i.

To use circumlocution.