CIRCUMLOCUTION

PRONUNCIATION: (suhr-kuhm-loh-KYOO-shuhn)

MEANING: noun: The use of roundabout language, especially to avoid giving a direct answer.

ETYMOLOGY: From Latin circum- (around) + locution (talk), from loqui (to speak). Earliest documented use: 1518.
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CIRCUS-LOCUTION - the Ringmaster's spiel

CIRCUMLOCATION - to drive 'round and 'round and still be unable to find where you're going

C-IN-C-UMLOCUTION - a speech by the hHigh Commander of the Armed Forces