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

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

From Washington Post

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

In blue states Democrats simplify voting; in red states Republicans suppress it with a long inventory of machinations: purge the rolls, convolute registration procedures, disenfranchise felons and cut back polling times and places.

From New York Times

Haggling over a dated sleeper sofa or granny’s porcelain china can really convolute a sale.

From Wall Street Journal

Each convolute is matched with a single art work, turning each piece into a kind of illustration of the concept Benjamin was exploring.

From The New Yorker