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

The newest convolution is Italian Brainrot anime themes, popularized by creators like Smirzky, which turn the gibberish critters into cast members of a fictional TV show. —Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 10 Sep. 2025

To run a convolution, data converts into laser light on the chip. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 8 Sep. 2025

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

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