par·a·phrase 
(părə-frāz′)
(părə-frāz′)n.
1. A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning.
2. The restatement of texts in other words as a studying or teaching device.
3. The adaptation or alteration of a text or quotation to serve a different purpose from that of the original.
v. par·a·phrased, par·a·phras·ing, par·a·phras·es
v.tr.
1. To restate using different words, especially to clarify.
2. To adapt or alter (a text or quotation) to serve a different purpose from that of the original: "It's tempting to paraphrase an environmental slogan and say, 'Think globally, pray locally'" (Christian Science Monitor).
v.intr.
To compose a paraphrase.
[French, from Latin paraphrasis, from Greek, from paraphrazein, to paraphrase : para-, alongside; see PARA-1 + phrazein, to show, explain; see gwhren- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
para·phras′a·ble adj.
para·phras′er n.