untwining
|un-twine-ing|
/ʌnˈtwaɪnɪŋ/
(untwine)
undo a twist / separate entwined parts
Etymology
'untwine' originates from Old English elements: the prefix 'un-' (meaning 'not' or 'reverse') combined with 'twine' (from Old English 'twīnan'/'twine', meaning 'to twist or weave together').
'untwine' was formed by prefixing Old English 'un-' to the verb 'twine'; through Middle English this combination produced forms like 'untwinen' and eventually the Modern English 'untwine', from which 'untwining' is derived.
Initially it meant 'to reverse or undo the action of twining'; over time the basic sense of 'undoing a twist or separation of entwined material' has been largely retained in modern usage.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of untwining; the state or result of having been untwined.
The untwining of the cables revealed the damaged insulation.
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Verb 1
present participle of 'untwine'; performing the action of undoing or separating things that are twined, twisted, or wound together.
She is untwining the old rope so it can be reused.
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Last updated: 2025/11/14 06:58