circumvolution

[ sur-kuhm-vuh-loo-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of rolling or turning around:

   planetary circumvolution.

2. a single complete turn or cycle.
3. a winding or folding about something:

   the circumvolutions of a boa.

4. a fold so wound:

   the circumvolution of a snail shell.

5. a winding in a sinuous course; a sinuosity:

   the circumvolutions of the river.

6. a roundabout course or procedure, or an instance of such:

   The speaker's circumvolutions bored the audience to tears.

circumvolution

/ ˌsɜːkəmvəˈluːʃən /

noun

1. the act of turning, winding, or folding around a central axis
2. a single complete turn, cycle, or fold
3. anything winding or sinuous
4. a roundabout course or procedure

Derived Forms

• ˌcircumvoˈlutory, adjective

Other Words From

• cir·cum·vo·lu·to·ry [suhr-k, uh, m-v, uh, -, loo, -t, uh, -ree], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumvolution¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of circumvolution¹

C15: from Medieval Latin circumvolūtiō, from Latin circumvolvere, from circum- + volvere to roll

Example Sentences

No doubt was possible: the two lobes, the circumvolution of the brain to the minute red lines of the blood-vessels, all was there.

From Project Gutenberg

Never did a monarch hold so steadfastly to a deadly purpose, or proceed so languidly and with so much circumvolution to his goal.

From Project Gutenberg