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

And rather than trying to take convoluted steps to keep mortgage rates in check, the administration may simply be considering helping an ally.

From Barron's

His father, a doctor, guided him through the convoluted medical system.

From The Wall Street Journal

That will require accelerating sometimes "slow and convoluted" approval processes for projects, said Daniel Kritenbrink, a former US ambassador in Vietnam.

From Barron's

It’s safe to say that no team in history has ever traveled a path to the title game as convoluted as Miami’s.

From The Wall Street Journal

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