To twist, coil, or roll up in spirals; as an adjective, means rolled up in a spiral form with coils overlapping or interlocking.
From Latin convolutus, the past participle of convolvere (to roll together), combining con- (together) and volvere (to roll). The meaning has remained consistent since classical times, referring to anything twisted or coiled.
Plants use the word 'convolute' to describe leaves that are rolled up tightly, like scrolls—when you see a fern frond unrolling, you're watching it transition from convolute to open. Nature makes spirals over and over because they're efficient!
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