Definition of: phrase

(frāz) noun
1. An expression, consisting usually of but a few words, denoting a single idea or forming a separate part of a sentence; specifically, a group of two or more associated words, not containing a subject and predicate: distinguished from clause. See synonym below.
2. A concise, sententious expression.
3. Characteristic mode of expression; peculiar habit of language; phraseology.
4. Music A fragment of a melody having well-determined motion and repose, but incomplete sense.
—v.t. & v.i. phrased, phras·ing
1. To express or be expressed in words or phrases.
2. Music To execute or divide (notes) into phrases by accentuation. [<LL phrasis diction <Gk., speech <phrazein point out, tell]
—phras′al adjective Synonym (noun): clause. A clause is a short sentence forming a distinct part of a composition, or in more extended use a distinct and separable statement forming part of a legal or state document, as of a will, an indictment, etc.; a phrase is a group of words conveying a single idea, and forming a distinct part of a sentence. In grammar, a clause is a simple sentence which is combined with some other sentence or sentences, so as to form a complex or compound sentence. A simple sentence standing alone is not, in grammatical use, called a clause, but every clause of a complex or compound sentence is a simple sentence. Thus, the clause always contains a subject and predicate. A phrase does not contain a subject and predicate, but it may include as many words as a clause. See DICTION, TERM.