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

How barmy is it to fly thousands of people half-way around the world to sit in giant air-conditioned tents to argue about commas, and interpretations of convoluted words?

Read more on BBC

Our reviewer, Steven Poole, wrote that “the book proceeds like a convoluted murder mystery, introducing one suspect after another in what seems like an open-and-shut case, before puncturing the promising narrative with an inconvenient fact.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

In convoluted language, the resolution does mention a possible future Palestinian state -- an eventuality firmly and repeatedly rejected by Israel.

Read more on Barron's

But these convoluted John le Carré diversions are not engaging, and the attempts to enrich the characters are clunky.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“Life is not a continuous line from the cradle to the grave,” as we read in “Consider the Consequences,” but instead a convoluted series of choices and refusals.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal