paraphrasing

Use the following linking phrase to begin paraphrasing:
I can't remember the English word;I'll have to explain what I mean here.
Actually, I can't seem to remember the word;let me try to put it into plain words.
The word has slipped my mind;I'll try to paraphrase it for you.

Use the following language to explain your word:
Well what it is ...it is a kind/type of...
In some ways it's similar to...
It's actually something like a...

Continue your paraphrasing with:
And it's made from...
It's often found...
It's used by/for...
It involves...
One of the most unique features of X is that...
And I should also mention that...

Then "remember"the word:
Oh...I think I've just remember it; the word I'm looking for is X.