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
Mary Lee SettleSynonyms
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
The season takes new turns while remaining the most ambitious, batty and all-out pleasurable show on TV, an M.C. Escher maze whose plot convolutions never get in the way of its voice, heart and sense of humor.
—James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for convolution 
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James Poniewozik, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
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
See all Example Sentences for convolution
Dictionary Entries Near convolution
Cite this Entry
“Convolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convolution. Accessed 27 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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 sulcusLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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