Convoluted

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌkɒnvəˈl(j)uːtɪd/

Definitions

1. Marked by excessive intricacy and complexity that can obfuscate meaning or clarity
2. Describes a system or argument that is both elaborate and challenging to follow due to its complicated nature
3. Characterized by intricate twists and folds that make comprehension difficult and structure complex

Etymology: "Convoluted" began as a plain description of coiled or rolled-up things. It comes from Latin "convolvere," meaning "to roll together," built from "con-" (together) and "volvere" (to roll or turn), a verb whose root also gave English "revolve" and "volume" (a rolled scroll). The Latin past participle "convolutus" was borrowed into English as "convolute," an adjective describing something twisted or rolled into coils, such as the folds of a shell or the wrinkled surface of the brain. The "-ed" ending is an English addition: "convoluted" simply adds the familiar suffix to "convolute," producing an adjective with the same sense. Its meaning moved from literal coiling toward the figurative sense of something intricate or tangled, such as an argument or a set of rules that winds back on itself.

Synonyms: complicated, intricate, complex, twisted, labyrinthine

Antonyms: simple, straightforward, clear, uncomplicated, direct