convolute

American  

[kon-vuh-loot] / ˈkɒn vəˌlut /

verb (used with or without object)

convoluted, convoluting

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

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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 British  

/ ˈkɒnvəˌluːt /

verb

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

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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

Etymology

Origin of convolute

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

Example Sentences

In that regard, “Bridgerton” chugs deliciously along for at least five episodes before it starts to convolute and collapse on itself.

From Washington Post • Dec. 22, 2020

To convolute matters more, the federal government does not require prisons or jails to collect data on pregnancy and childbirth among female inmates.

From The Guardian • Jan. 24, 2020

The suit on the right includes a waist convolute, which allowed the Apollo 15–17 lunar surface crews to sit on the lunar rover.

From Slate • Dec. 16, 2013

But these new songs don’t feel arbitrary when they warp or convolute.

From New York Times • Jun. 4, 2010

Petals 5, rather unequal, linear-lanceolate, inserted in the throat of the calyx, convolute in the bud.

From The Manual of the Botany of the Northern United States Including the District East of the Mississippi and North of North Carolina and Tennessee by Gray, Asa