circumvolution
[sur-kuh m-vuh-loo-shuh n]
- the act of rolling or turning around: planetary circumvolution.
- a single complete turn or cycle.
- a winding or folding about something: the circumvolutions of a boa.
- a fold so wound: the circumvolution of a snail shell.
- a winding in a sinuous course; a sinuosity: the circumvolutions of the river.
- a roundabout course or procedure, or an instance of such: The speaker's circumvolutions bored the audience to tears.
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Origin of circumvolution
1400–50; late Middle English < Medieval Latin circumvolūtiōn- (stem of circumvolūtiō), equivalent to Latin circumvolūt(us) (past participle of circumvolvere to circumvolve) (circum- circum- + volū- past participle stem of volvere to roll + -tus past participle suffix) + -iōn- -ion
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for circumvolution
Historical Examples
No doubt was possible: the two lobes, the circumvolution of the brain to the minute red lines of the blood-vessels, all was there.
The Ancient Cities of the New WorldDsir Charnay
circumvolution
- the act of turning, winding, or folding around a central axis
- a single complete turn, cycle, or fold
- anything winding or sinuous
- a roundabout course or procedure
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Word Origin
C15: from Medieval Latin circumvolūtiō, from Latin circumvolvere, from circum- + volvere to roll
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for circumvolution
n.
mid-15c., noun of action from past participle stem of Latin circumvolvere "to revolve through, to roll around" (see circumvolve).
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper