inturn

[ in-turn ]

noun

1. an inward turn or curve around an axis or fixed point.

Other Words From

• inturned adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of inturn¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; in- ¹ + turn

More About Inturn

What does inturn mean?

An inturn is an inward curve or turn, as in The crabs could be found on the large inturn of the beach.

Inturn is a rarely-used word that is mostly used to describe the curves found in ancient monuments or natural geographic curves.

More often, inturn is used incorrectly for the phrase in turn, which means in a proper order or sequence, as in The bishop spoke to each of the priests in turn.

Example: The inturn between your head and shoulder can become tight when you’re stressed.

Where does inturn come from?

The first records of inturn come from around 1590. It combines the prefix in-, meaning “inward,” and the verb turn, meaning “to rotate.”

Inturn is not used often. When it is, it is often used incorrectly for in turn or intern, an apprentice or a trainee employee.

Did you know ... ?

What are some other forms related to inturn?

• inturned (adjective)

What are some synonyms for inturn?

• inward
• curve

What are some words that share a root or word element with inturn? 

• in
• turn

What are some words that often get used in discussing inturn?

• curve
• arc

What are some words inturn may be commonly confused with?

• in turn
• intern

Try using inturn!

Is inturn used correctly in the following sentence?

The dog show judge looked at every single dog inturn before deciding which was the best of them all.