circumvolution

noun

cir·​cum·​vo·​lu·​tion sər-ˌkəm-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce circumvolution (audio)
ˌsər-kəm-vō-
: an act or instance of turning around an axis

Word History

Etymology

Middle English cyrcumvolucyoun, borrowed from Medieval Latin circumvolūtiōn-, circumvolūtiō "rotation, revolution," from Latin circumvolū-, variant stem of circumvolvere "to cause to revolve, twine or coil round," from circum- circum- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll" — more at wallow entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of circumvolution was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near circumvolution

Cite this Entry

“Circumvolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumvolution. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!