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
• 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

From there, the plot pretzels itself into typical noir convolution, giving us an excuse to meet all sorts of characters, not least a shady local preacher played by Chris Evans, who uses his almost embarrassingly all-American good looks to convey treacle and snake oil. —Daniel Bromfield, Mercury News, 29 Aug. 2025

The team turned their model loose on the series of treelike modifications and convolutions in the Indo-European family of languages. —Jake Buehler, Quanta Magazine, 28 Aug. 2025

The wildest example of this meta-narrative convolution comes during the Season 1 recap that plays at the start of the episode. —Adam B. Vary, Variety, 22 Aug. 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

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