From WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003) [wn]:
phrase
n 1: an expression forming a grammatical constituent of a
sentence but not containing a finite verb
2: a short musical passage [syn: musical phrase]
3: an expression whose meanings cannot be inferred from the
meanings of the words that make it up [syn: idiom,
idiomatic expression, phrasal idiom, set phrase]
v : put into words or an expression; "He formulated his concerns
to the board of trustees" [syn: give voice,
formulate, word, articulate]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Phrase \Phrase\, n. [F., fr. L. phrasis diction, phraseology,
Gr. ?, fr. ? to speak.]
1. A brief expression, sometimes a single word, but usually
two or more words forming an expression by themselves, or
being a portion of a sentence; as, an adverbial phrase.
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"Convey" the wise it call. "Steal!" foh! a fico for
the phrase. --Shak.
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2. A short, pithy expression; especially, one which is often
employed; a peculiar or idiomatic turn of speech; as, to
err is human.
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3. A mode or form of speech; the manner or style in which any
one expreses himself; diction; expression. "Phrases of the
hearth." --Tennyson.
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Thou speak'st
In better phrase and matter than thou didst. --Shak.
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4. (Mus.) A short clause or portion of a period.
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Note: A composition consists first of sentences, or periods;
these are subdivided into sections, and these into
phrases.
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Phrase book, a book of idiomatic phrases. --J. S. Blackie.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Phrase \Phrase\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Phrased; p. pr. & vb. n.
Phrasing.] [Cf. F. phraser.]
To express in words, or in peculiar words; to call; to style.
"These suns -- for so they phrase 'em." --Shak.
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From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Phrase \Phrase\, v. i.
1. To use proper or fine phrases. [R.]
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2. (Mus.) To group notes into phrases; as, he phrases well.
See Phrase, n., 4.
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