convolution
|con-vo-lu-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌkɑːn.vəˈluː.ʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌkɒn.vəˈluː.ʃən/
rolled together / twisted
Etymology
'convolution' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'convolutio', where 'con-' meant 'together' and 'volvere' meant 'to roll'.
'convolution' changed from Latin 'convolutio' into Late Latin/Old French forms and then entered Middle English (e.g. Medieval Latin/Old French influences) before becoming the modern English word 'convolution'.
Initially, it meant 'a rolling together' or 'the act of rolling', but over time it evolved into meanings including 'a twist or coil', 'complexity/intricacy', the anatomical 'fold of the brain', and the mathematical 'convolution operation'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a coil, twist, or winding; a rolled or spiralled shape.
The rope formed a tight convolution around the post.
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Noun 2
an intricate or complicated condition or shape; complexity or intricacy in structure or reasoning.
The plot of the novel is full of convolutions that challenge the reader.
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Noun 3
a fold or ridge, especially one of the convolutions (gyri) of the brain.
The brain's convolutions increase its surface area.
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Noun 4
in mathematics and signal processing, the result of the convolution operation combining two functions (often denoted f * g).
The convolution of the input signal with the filter produces the output.
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Last updated: 2025/08/28 17:49