convoluted

[kon-vuh-loo-tid] /ˈkɒn vəˌlu tɪd/
adjective
1.
twisted; coiled.
2.
complicated; intricately involved:
a convoluted way of describing a simple device.
Origin
1805-15; convolute + -ed2
Related forms
convolutedly, adjective
convolutedness, noun
unconvoluted, adjective

convolute

[kon-vuh-loot] /ˈkɒn vəˌlut/
verb (used with object), verb (used without object), convoluted, convoluting.
1.
to coil up; form into a twisted shape.
adjective
2.
rolled up together or with one part over another.
3.
Botany. coiled up longitudinally so that one margin is within the coil and the other without, as the petals of cotton.
Origin
1690-1700; < Latin convolūtus rolled up, equivalent to convolū- (stem of convolvere to convolve) + -tus past participle suffix
Related forms
convolutely, adverb
subconvolute, adjective
subconvolutely, adverb
unconvolute, adjective
unconvolutely, adverb
Spanish Words for convoluted

enrollado

Hear It
adjective
1.
[shape] enrollado

2.
enroscado

3.
[mente, carácter] enrevesado
More Spanish Definitions
Examples from the web for convoluted
  • The result is that the originally simple communications technology has become a complex and convoluted affair.
  • Then you get into the problem, and you see that it's really complicated, and you come up with all these convoluted solutions.
  • The small intestine is a convoluted tube, extending from the pylorus to the colic valve, where it ends in the large intestine.
  • Again, no one is certain about what is actually going on in the animals' large, convoluted brains.
  • The reason behind the convoluted system is simple math.
  • The story is convoluted, the truth impossible to discern.
  • And instead of putting a value on water, it gets into all sorts of convoluted legal and environmental tangles.
  • At first glance, the picture that emerged looks quite convoluted.
  • The typical brain scan shows a muted gray rendering of the brain, easily distinguished by a series of convoluted folds.
  • Solar cell manufacturing today is a slow and convoluted process.
British Dictionary definitions for convoluted

convoluted

/ˈkɒnvəˌluːtɪd/
adjective
1.
(esp of meaning, style, etc) difficult to comprehend; involved
2.
wound together; coiled
Derived Forms
convolutedly, adverb
convolutedness, noun

convolute

/ˈkɒnvəˌluːt/
verb (transitive)
1.
to form into a twisted, coiled, or rolled shape
adjective
2.
(botany) rolled longitudinally upon itself: a convolute petal
3.
another word for convoluted (sense 2)
Derived Forms
convolutely, adverb
Word Origin
C18: from Latin convolūtus rolled up, from convolvere to roll together, from volvere to turn
Word Origin and History for convoluted
adj.

1811, past participle adjective from verb convolute (1690s), from Latin convolutus, past participle of convolvere (see convolution); or perhaps a back-formation from convolution. French has convoluté (18c.), in form a past participle adjective, without the verb.

convolute

adj.

"rolled up together," 1794, from Latin convolutus, past participle of convolvere (see convolution). The noun meaning "something convoluted" is from 1846.