convoluted

adjective

con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: having convolutions
a ram with convoluted horns
2
: involved, intricate
a convoluted argument

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The Origin of Convoluted Isn't

Convoluted comes from Latin convolvere, meaning "to roll up, coil, or twist." It is related to the verb convolute, meaning "to twist or coil." Once something is twisted it can be literally and figuratively difficult to unravel, and can be convoluted.

Examples of convoluted in a Sentence

At base stands a profound respect for the integrity of history and the complex and convoluted relationship between present and the past. Ira Berlin, New York Times Book Review, 9 Sept. 2001
They are pictures of convoluted tree trunks on an island of pink wave-smoothed stone … Margaret Atwood, Harper's, August 1990
… she has been fashioning sequences of plans too convoluted to materialize … Joseph Heller, God Knows, 1984
To therapists, stepfamilies may present convoluted psychological dilemmas … Letty Cottin Pogrebin, Family Politics, 1983
a convoluted explanation that left the listeners even more confused than they were before
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Export is a simple Ctrl-E, compared with Photoshop's convoluted Shift-Ctrl-Alt-W. PCMAG, 12 Nov. 2024 The reasons are complex: socioeconomic disparities; a lack of emphasis on prevention; and an expensive, convoluted system that lets millions of people slip through the cracks. Caitlin Owens, Axios, 3 Nov. 2024 The fact that these goddesses can retain their identity in such convoluted circumstances is no less miraculous than their enduring celebrity status. Jonathon Keats, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 Perception has a convoluted corporate structure that spans three countries and two continents. Bypaolo Confino, Fortune, 18 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for convoluted 

Word History

Etymology

from past participle of convolute

First Known Use

1766, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of convoluted was in 1766

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Dictionary Entries Near convoluted

Cite this Entry

“Convoluted.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convoluted. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed ˈkän-və-ˌlüt-əd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
1
: folded or curved in twisted windings
especially : having convolutions
2
: complicated in form : intricate
convoluted phrasing

Medical Definition

convoluted

adjective
con·​vo·​lut·​ed -ˌlü-təd How to pronounce convoluted (audio)
: folded in curved or tortuous windings
specifically : having convolutions
the highly convoluted human cerebral cortex

More from Merriam-Webster on convoluted

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