involute

[ adjective noun in-vuh-loot; verb in-vuh-loot, in-vuh-loot ]

adjective

1. intricate; complex.
2. curled or curved inward or spirally.
3. Botany. rolled inward from the edge, as a leaf.
4. Zoology. (of shells) having the whorls closely wound.

noun

1. Geometry. any curve of which a given curve is the evolute.

verb (used without object)

, in·vo·lut·ed, in·vo·lut·ing.

1. to roll or curl up; become involute.
2. to return to a normal shape, size, or state.

involute

adjective

1. complex, intricate, or involved
2. botany (esp of petals, leaves, etc, in bud) having margins that are rolled inwards
3. (of certain shells) closely coiled so that the axis is obscured

noun

1. geometry the curve described by the free end of a thread as it is wound around another curve, the evolute, such that its normals are tangential to the evolute See also evolute

verb

1. intr to become involute

Derived Forms

• ˈinvoˌlutely, adverb
• ˌinvoˈlutedly, adverb

Other Words From

• invo·lutely adverb
• sub·invo·lute adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of involute¹

1655–65; < Latin involūtus (past participle of involvere to roll up, wrap, cover), equivalent to in- in- ² + volū- (variant stem of volvere to roll) + -tus past participle suffix; involve

Word History and Origins

Origin of involute¹

C17: from Latin involūtus, from involvere; see involve

Example Sentences

Several daguerreotypes here foreground the ornament and patterning of Egyptian buildings; this one captures every edge of the involute roof of a 16th-century mosque, festooned with knotty hearts and flowers.

From New York Times

They were involute, introvert, indirect; they did not like questions and answers.

From Literature

Ours perennials, 1–2° high, with narrow and soon involute leaves, hairy sheaths bearded at the throat, and a small simple panicle or raceme of about 7-flowered spikelets.

From Project Gutenberg

Draw setting tangent from “base circle” of involute, at middle of tooth.

From Project Gutenberg

The first curve is called the involute of the second.

From Project Gutenberg