Circumplication

/ˌsɜrkəmplɪˈkeɪʃən/ noun

Definition

The act or process of folding, wrapping, or pleating something in concentric layers or circular folds.

Etymology

From Latin circum- (around) + plicare (to fold) + -tion (suffix forming nouns), a technical noun used in biology and textile science to describe layered or spiral folding patterns.

Kelly Says

The circumplication of a nautilus shell—the way each chamber spirals around the previous one—creates one of nature's most perfect mathematical curves, visible in everything from DNA to galaxies.

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