involution

noun

in·vo·lu·tion | \ ˌin-və-ˈlü-shən

Definition of involution

1a(1) : the act or an instance of enfolding or entangling : involvement

(2) : an involved grammatical construction usually characterized by the insertion of clauses between the subject and predicate

b : complexity, intricacy

2 : exponentiation

3a : an inward curvature or penetration

b : the formation of a gastrula by ingrowth of cells formed at the dorsal lip

4 : a shrinking or return to a former size

5 : the regressive alterations of a body or its parts characteristic of the aging process skeletal involution due to loss of estrogens at menopause

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Examples of involution in a Sentence

the involution of the thriller's plot made it hard to follow

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Notice that this is an involution as = ∂. In addition, the only self-conjugate itinerary is a string of O’s. — Nicholas Diaco, Scientific American, "Privacy and Counterfeit Coins," 20 Mar. 2018 The entire process is known as involution of the uterus. — Jennifer Hansen, WIRED, "My Incredible Shrinking Uterus," 6 Oct. 2010

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'involution.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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The first known use of involution was circa 1611

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involution

noun

in·vo·lu·tion | \ ˌin-və-ˈlü-shən

Medical Definition of involution

1a : an inward curvature or penetration

b : the formation of a gastrula by ingrowth of cells formed at the dorsal lip

2 : a shrinking or return to a former size involution of the uterus after pregnancy

3 : the regressive alterations of a body or its parts characteristic of the aging process specifically : decline marked by a decrease of bodily vigor and in women by menopause