convolvulus

noun

con·​vol·​vu·​lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs 

-ˈvȯl-,

 also  -ˈväv-yə-,

 or  -ˈvȯv-yə-

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli kən-ˈväl-vyə-ˌlī 

-ˌlē,

-ˈvȯl-,

 also  -ˈväv-yə-,

 or  -ˈvȯv-yə-

: any of a genus (Convolvulus) of erect, trailing, or twining herbs and shrubs of the morning-glory family

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin convolvolus "bindweed (Calystegia sepium or a related species)," from convolvere "to roll round or up, coil, twist, wrap round" + -olus, noun suffix, usually with diminutive value — more at convolve

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

convolvulus

noun

con·​vol·​vu·​lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs 

-ˈvȯl-

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī 

-ˌlē

: any of a genus of trailing or twining herbs and shrubs that are related to the morning glories

Medical Definition

convolvulus

noun

con·​vol·​vu·​lus

-ˈväl-vyə-ləs, -ˈvȯl- also -ˈväv-yə-, -ˈvȯv-yə-

1

capitalized : a genus of erect trailing or twining herbs and shrubs (family Convolvulaceae) chiefly of temperate regions

2

plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī, -ˌlē  : a plant of the genus Convolvulus