Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

circumvolution

noun
cir·​cum·​vo·​lu·​tion | \ sər-ˌkəm-və-ˈlü-shən How to pronounce circumvolution (audio) , ˌsər-kəm-vō-\

Definition of circumvolution

: an act or instance of turning around an axis

First Known Use of circumvolution

15th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for circumvolution

Middle English circumvolucioun, from Medieval Latin circumvolution-, circumvolutio, from Latin circumvolvere to revolve, from circum- + volvere to roll — more at voluble

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about circumvolution

Statistics for circumvolution

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for circumvolution

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

See more words from the same century

Comments on circumvolution

What made you want to look up circumvolution? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

gritty

Listen to the pronounciation of gritty

showing courage and determination

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words for Summer: A Quiz

  • a closeup of a sunflower
  • Which of the following words means “of or relating to summer”?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games