convolution

noun

con·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌkän-və-ˈlü-shən 

1

: a form or shape that is folded in curved or tortuous windings

the convolutions of the intestines

2

: one of the irregular ridges on the surface of the brain and especially of the cerebrum of higher mammals

3

: a complication or intricacy of form, design, or structure

… societies in which the convolutions of power and the caprices of the powerful are ever-present dangers to survival.

—Mary Lee Settle

Synonyms

• complexity
• complicacy
• complication
• difficulty
• intricacy

Examples of convolution in a Sentence

I found it hard to follow the convolutions of the book's plot.

a plot full of convolution and confusion

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead of excessive fastidiousness and convolution, the mood is one of generosity, ease, and serenity. —Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 5 Dec. 2024

Especially for certain special education students, many of whom have a neurological condition, having an accurate summary of a topic indeed may be better and more digestible than having to comb through pages upon pages of detailed convolution that may very plausibly overwhelm someone. —Steven Aquino, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Sure, by the end of the episode, the convolutions have begun to accumulate, but that just goes with the territory. —Keith Phipps, Vulture, 29 Aug. 2024

The resulting structure, unlike a smooth seawall, is replete with nooks, crannies, and convolutions. —Saqib Rahim, WIRED, 11 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Medieval Latin convolūtiōn-, convolūtiō "a folding," from Latin convolū-, variant stem of convolvere "to roll up, coil, twist" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at convolve

First Known Use

1545, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

convolution

noun

con·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌkän-və-ˈlü-shən 

: one of the uneven ridges on the surface of the brain and especially of the cerebrum of higher mammals

Medical Definition

convolution

noun

con·​vo·​lu·​tion ˌkän-və-ˈlü-shən 

: any of the irregular ridges on the surface of the brain and especially of the cerebrum

called also gyrus

compare sulcus

convolutional

-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective