euphuism noun. ['ju:fjʊɪz(ǝ)m] L16.
[from Euphues, a fictional character (see below), from Greek euphuēs well-endowed by nature, formed as EU- + phu- (= be) in phuē growth: see -ISM.]
1. A literary and conversational style imitative of that found in John Lyly's Euphues (1578-80), which was fashionable in the late 16th and early 17th cents. and is characterized by an abundance of antitheses, alliteration, and similes referring to natural history and mythology; any artificial and affected style; high-flown language. L16.

2. An instance of euphuism; a euphuistic expression. L19.

■ euphuist noun a person who uses euphuism L16.

■ euphu'istic,

■ euphu'istical adjectives E19.

■ euphu'istically adverb M19.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲