involute

[ adjective noun in-vuh-loot; verb in-vuh-loot, in-vuh-loot ]

adjective

1. intricate; complex.
2. curled or curved inward or spirally.
3. Botany. rolled inward from the edge, as a leaf.
4. Zoology. (of shells) having the whorls closely wound.

noun

1. Geometry. any curve of which a given curve is the evolute.

verb (used without object)

, in·vo·lut·ed, in·vo·lut·ing.

1. to roll or curl up; become involute.
2. to return to a normal shape, size, or state.

involute

adjective

1. complex, intricate, or involved
2. botany (esp of petals, leaves, etc, in bud) having margins that are rolled inwards
3. (of certain shells) closely coiled so that the axis is obscured

noun

1. See evolute
   geometry the curve described by the free end of a thread as it is wound around another curve, the evolute, such that its normals are tangential to the evolute See also evolute

verb

1. intr to become involute

Derived Forms

• ˈinvoˌlutely, adverb
• ˌinvoˈlutedly, adverb

Other Words From

• invo·lutely adverb
• sub·invo·lute adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of involute¹

1655–65; < Latin involūtus (past participle of involvere to roll up, wrap, cover), equivalent to in- in- ² + volū- (variant stem of volvere to roll) + -tus past participle suffix; involve

Word History and Origins

Origin of involute¹

C17: from Latin involūtus, from involvere; see involve

Example Sentences

These names are given to the curves because the end of a stretched thread unwound from the evolute will describe the involute.

From Project Gutenberg

In the Balm of Gilead, the leaf is involute, rolled towards the midrib on the upper face.

From Project Gutenberg

The leaves are rolled towards the midrib on the upper face (involute).

From Project Gutenberg

Involute teeth have the advantage that they roll on one another instead of sliding.

From Project Gutenberg

Leaves involute, the throat usually bearded, and sheaths often enclosing the panicles.

From Project Gutenberg