convolution

Where does the word "convolution" come from? It comes from Latin volvere, passing through Latin before entering English (1500s).

Convolution’s story begins in Latin: volvere meant “to roll, to turn.” To roll, to turn, combined with com- (together). Within Latin, it grew into convolvere by ancient. To roll together, to twist, from com- and volvere. By ancient, Latin speakers had reshaped it into convolutio. A rolling together, a twisting, from convolvere. It reached English by 1500s as convolution. Settled as the English word for a complicated twisting or coiling. Today, convolution means a complicated twisting, coiling, or intricacy of something.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient volvere "to roll, to turn", to roll, to turn, combined with com- (together).
2. Stage 2 · Latin · ancient convolvere "to roll together, to twist", to roll together, to twist, from com- and volvere.
3. Stage 3 · Latin · ancient convolutio "a rolling together, a twisting", a rolling together, a twisting, from convolvere.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1500s convolution "a complicated twisting, coiling, or intricacy", settled as the English word for a complicated twisting or coiling.