sinuous

[ sin-yoo-uhs ]

adjective

1. having many curves, bends, or turns; winding:

   a sinuous path.

   Synonyms: serpentine

   Antonyms: straight

2. indirect; devious:

   sinuous questions.

   Synonyms: roundabout

   Antonyms: direct

3. characterized by a series of graceful curving motions:

   a sinuous dance.

4. Botany. sinuate, as a leaf.

sinuous

/ ˈsɪnjʊəs /

adjective

1. full of turns or curves; intricate
2. devious; not straightforward
3. supple; lithe

Derived Forms

• ˈsinuously, adverb
• ˈsinuousness, noun

Other Words From

• sinu·ous·ly adverb
• sinu·ous·ness noun
• sub·sinu·ous adjective
• un·sinu·ous adjective
• un·sinu·ous·ly adverb
• un·sinu·ous·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinuous¹

From the Latin word sinuōsus, dating back to 1570–80. See sinus, -ous

Word History and Origins

Origin of sinuous¹

C16: from Latin sinuōsus winding, from sinus a curve

Related Words

• crooked
• curved
• meandering
• serpentine
• undulating