SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus

circumvolution

noun
Save Word
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 cyrcumvolucyoun, borrowed from Medieval Latin circumvolūtiōn-, circumvolūtiō "rotation, revolution," from Latin circumvolū-, variant stem of circumvolvere "to cause to revolve, twine or coil round," from circum- circum- + volvere "to set in a circular course, cause to roll" — more at wallow entry 1

Learn More About circumvolution

Time Traveler for circumvolution

Time Traveler

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

See more words from the same century

Dictionary Entries Near circumvolution

circumvolute

circumvolution

circumvolve

See More Nearby Entries 

Statistics for circumvolution

Cite this Entry

“Circumvolution.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/circumvolution. Accessed 2 Jul. 2022.

Style: MLA
MLACheck Mark Icon ChicagoCheck Mark Icon APACheck Mark Icon Merriam-WebsterCheck Mark Icon

WORD OF THE DAY

apposite

Listen to the pronunciation of apposite

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

Odd Habits and Quirks

  • image1926873504
  • Which of the following best describes an easily irritated person?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Universal Daily Crossword

A daily challenge for crossword fanatics.

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