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

Many follow convoluted routes via shadow tankers and are snapped up by countries like Turkey, India and China at bargain prices.

From The Wall Street Journal

Fortunately, Mr. Bailey’s overall message isn’t nearly so convoluted: Approach your daily activities with purpose, considering ways to maximize your desire and minimize your aversion.

From The Wall Street Journal

The routes of competing undersea cables are convoluted and geopolitically tangled.

From The Wall Street Journal

Thanks to our convoluted copyright laws in the U.S., the wait has been 95 years.

From Los Angeles Times

Tom Keatinge, director of the Centre for Finance and Security at Rusi, said western messaging about sanctions was convoluted and there were too many loopholes.

From BBC