'anfractuose' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'anfractuosus,' where 'anfractus' meant 'a winding or bend.'

'anfractuosus' transformed into the French word 'anfractueux,' and eventually became the modern English word 'anfractuose' through borrowing in the 17th century.

Initially, it meant 'full of windings or bends,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage, describing something with many twists and turns.