convolutedcon‧vo‧lut‧ed /ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd $ ˈkɑːn-/ adjective 
Word Origin
long paragraphs and convoluted sentences The argument is rather convoluted.► see thesaurus at complicated2formal having many twists and bends: a tightly-coiled convoluted tube
Word OriginWORD ORIGINconvoluted
ExamplesOrigin:
1600-1700 Latin past participle of convolvere, from com- ( ➔ COM-) + volvere ‘to roll’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
Thesaurus- a convoluted freeway interchange
- He always uses a lot of convoluted arguments to support his theories, but no one's ever impressed.
- James's books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.
- The convoluted language in the UN resolution has caused confusion.
- The loan approval process is very convoluted.
- Factors like this made the leasing process a protracted and convoluted business in which potential tenants came and went.
- Flattening out the convoluted surface of the brain requires more compromises than that.
- I replied, wondering whether I should even try to embark upon the convoluted saga of Dad and his assumed name.
- Judgments frequently consist of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences replete with subordinate clauses.
- The convoluted tale grows thin long before it comes to rest.
- These convoluted explanations fail to identify the real lure of Niagara that it was accessible and comfortable.
- What is the convoluted chain of command?
THESAURUS► complicated
1complicated and difficult to understand: consisting of a lot of different parts or details and therefore difficult to understand: · The rules of the game seemed very complicated.· I didn’t realize programming the VCR would be so complicated.· The brain is like a very powerful, very complicated computer.· a complicated issue
► complex a complex process, relationship etc is difficult to understand because it has a lot of parts that are all connected in different ways: · The chemical processes involved are extremely complex.· the complex relationship between government and the media
► elaborate having a lot of parts or details and very carefully planned, but often more complicated than is necessary: · Mike had worked out an elaborate system for categorizing his collection of DVDs.· The plan to kidnap her had become even more elaborate.· Sociologists have been coming up with increasingly elaborate theories to explain unsafe sexual practices.
► involved very long and complicated – use this especially about something that you think should be made simpler: · The system for choosing candidates is very involved, and I won’t go into it here.· Adopting a child can be a long involved process.
► convoluted too complicated and difficult to understand – used especially about someone’s language or arguments, or about a system: · convoluted sentences· Procedures for government funding have become more convoluted.· James’s books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.
► intricate having a lot of small parts or details – used especially about something that is cleverly designed or made: · Lasers are used to cut intricate designs in the metal.· The farmers use an intricate system of drainage canals.· the intricate workings of a watch· intricate patterns of coloured marble
Longman Language Activatorhaving a lot of different parts and difficult to understand► complicated consisting of a lot of different parts or details and therefore difficult to understand: · I didn't realize programming the VCR would be so complicated.· The brain is like a very powerful, very complicated computer.· the complicated problem of bringing peace to the Middle East
► complex a complex process or system is difficult to understand because it has a lot of parts that are all connected in different ways: · The chemical processes involved in the experiment are extremely complex.· The seminar focuses on the complex relationship between government, the military, and the media.
► intricate having a lot of small parts or details - use this especially about something that is cleverly designed or made: · Lasers are used to cut intricate designs in wood.· The farmers use an intricate system of drainage canals.· the intricate workings of a watch· intricate patterns of coloured marble
► elaborate having a lot of parts or details and very carefully planned, but often more complicated than is necessary: · Mike had worked out an elaborate system for categorizing his collection of CDs.· Sociologists have been coming up with increasingly elaborate theories to explain unsafe sexual practices.
► involved very long and complicated - use this about a system, description, or explanation that you think should be made simpler: · The system for choosing candidates is very involved, and I won't go into it here.· Adopting a child can be a long involved process.
► tortuous much too long and complicated, and therefore confusing and annoying: · The book begins with a long, tortuous introduction.· At last, an end to the tortuous negotiations was in sight.
► convoluted too complicated and difficult to understand - use this especially about someone's language or arguments, or about a system: · He always uses a lot of convoluted arguments to support his theories, but no one's ever impressed.· James's books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.
long paragraphs and convoluted sentences The argument is rather convoluted.► see thesaurus at complicated2formal having many twists and bends: a tightly-coiled convoluted tube