convolute

[ kon-vuh-loot ]

verb (used with or without object)

, con·vo·lut·ed, con·vo·lut·ing.

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

Derived Forms

• ˈconvoˌlutely, adverb

Other Words From

• convo·lutely adverb
• sub·convo·lute adjective
• sub·convo·lutely adverb
• un·convo·lute adjective
• un·convo·lutely 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

So where does this rather convoluted row go from here?

From BBC

In a ruling, Judge Simon Heald said “it appears to us that the AGO initially went about finding private email account details in a convoluted way”, which was “not a sensible way to start”.

From BBC

It sued the company for allegedly violating consumer protection laws with "hidden" termination fees and a convoluted cancellation process.

From BBC

Under California’s convoluted law, individuals who bring in dogs are obligated to send the records to county public health departments, but few actually do.

From Los Angeles Times

According to an EPA policy released this month, companies that want the federal government’s stamp of approval for their sustainable products can no longer use such convoluted math.

From Salon