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 of convolution

• complexity
• difficulty
• complication

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

That’s where the confusion and the convolution goes. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019

No, the convolution of the weaving story and a principal character who is such a louse can be grating. — David John Chávez, Mercury News, 6 Oct. 2025

But a convolution of religious beliefs not based on biblical norms but used to fit a person’s own biased agenda is certainly foremost of the causes. — Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 4 Aug. 2025

Its ability to perform convolutions with far less computational drag opens the door to faster, smarter AI in everything from self-driving cars to medical scans. — Pranjal Malewar, New Atlas, 1 Oct. 2025

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

Rhymes for convolution

• absolution
• allocution
• attribution
• comminution
• constitution
• contribution
• destitution
• devolution
• diminution
• dissolution
• distribution
• elocution

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