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n. 1. A sequence of words that have meaning, especially when forming part of a sentence. 2. a. A characteristic way or mode of expression: an apt turn of phrase. b. A brief, apt, and cogent expression: the phrase "out of the frying pan and into the fire." 3. Music A short passage or segment, often consisting of four measures or forming part of a larger unit. 4. A series of dance movements forming a unit in a choreographic pattern. v. phrased, phras·ing, phras·es v.tr. 1. To express orally or in writing: The speaker phrased several opinions. 2. Music a. To divide (a passage) into phrases. b. To combine (notes) in a phrase. v.intr. 1. To make or express phrases. 2. Music To perform a passage with the correct phrasing. [Latin phrasis, diction, from Greek, speech, diction, phrase, from phrazein, to point out, show; see gwhren- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] phrasal adj. phrasal·ly adv. |
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