convolute

[kon-vuh-loot]

verb (used with or without object)

convoluted, convoluting 

1. to coil up; form into a twisted shape.

adjective

1. rolled up together or with one part over another.

2. Botany.,  coiled up longitudinally so that one margin is within the coil and the other without, as the petals of cotton.

convolute

/ ˈkɒnvəˌluːt /

verb

1. to form into a twisted, coiled, or rolled shape

adjective

1. botany rolled longitudinally upon itself

   a convolute petal

2. another word for convoluted

Other Word Forms

• convolutely adverb
• subconvolute adjective
• subconvolutely adverb
• unconvolute adjective
• unconvolutely adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of convolute¹

First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin convolūtus “rolled up,” past participle of convolvere “to roll together, roll up”; convolve

Word History and Origins

Origin of convolute¹

C18: from Latin convolūtus rolled up, from convolvere to roll together, from volvere to turn

Example Sentences

She knows, vaguely, it has something to do with how California draws the boundaries for its 52 congressional districts, a convoluted and arcane process that’s not exactly top of the mind for your average person.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

She spent hours poring over a convoluted spreadsheet Sasha kept and found communications with several different financial advisers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The convoluted system allowed them to keep the peso strong and print money to cover ever-rising public spending.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Silver acknowledged that the convoluted format used this year “was a miss.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

However, there is also a feeling that the proposals are too convoluted and a 12-team top tier does not provide enough 'best v best'.

Read more on BBC