convoluted

 Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English 5++朗文当代英语 5++LDOCE 5++朗文 5++con·vo·lut·ed /ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd $ ˈkɑːn-/ adjective  1  COMPLICATEDcomplicated and difficult to understand 不易理解的，费解的 long paragraphs and convoluted sentences 冗长的段落和费解的句子 The argument is rather convoluted. 这一论点令人颇为费解。► see thesaurus at complicated2  formalBEND having many twists and bends 旋绕的，弯曲的 a tightly-coiled convoluted tube 绕得紧紧的、扭曲的管子

Examples from the Corpus

convoluted• The loan approval process is very convoluted.• He always uses a lot of convoluted arguments to support his theories, but no one's ever impressed.• Factors like this made the leasing process a protracted and convoluted business in which potential tenants came and went.• What is the convoluted chain of command?• These convoluted explanations fail to identify the real lure of Niagara that it was accessible and comfortable.• a convoluted freeway interchange• The convoluted language in the UN resolution has caused confusion.• I replied, wondering whether I should even try to embark upon the convoluted saga of Dad and his assumed name.• Judgments frequently consist of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences replete with subordinate clauses.• James's books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.• Flattening out the convoluted surface of the brain requires more compromises than that.• The convoluted tale grows thin long before it comes to rest.Origin convoluted (1600-1700) Latin past participle of convolvere, from com- ( → COM-) + volvere “to roll”

con·vo·lut·ed adjectiveChineseSyllable  

complicated and Corpus to difficult understand

convoluted
con‧vo‧lut‧ed /ˈkɒnvəluːtəd, ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd $ ˈkɑːn-/ adjective1. complicated and difficult to understand:
    long paragraphs and convoluted sentences
    The argument is rather convoluted.
2. formal having many twists and bends:
    a tightly-coiled convoluted tube
     

THESAURUS

   ▪ complicated consisting of a lot of different parts or details and therefore difficult to understand: The rules of the game seemed very complicated. | I didn’t realize programming the VCR would be so complicated. | The brain is like a very powerful, very complicated computer. | a complicated issue
   ▪ complex a complex process, relationship etc is difficult to understand because it has a lot of parts that are all connected in different ways: The chemical processes involved are extremely complex. | the complex relationship between government and the media
   ▪ elaborate having a lot of parts or details and very carefully planned, but often more complicated than is necessary: Mike had worked out an elaborate system for categorizing his collection of DVDs. | The plan to kidnap her had become even more elaborate. | Sociologists have been coming up with increasingly elaborate theories to explain unsafe sexual practices.
   ▪ involved very long and complicated – use this especially about something that you think should be made simpler: The system for choosing candidates is very involved, and I won’t go into it here. | Adopting a child can be a long involved process.
   ▪ convoluted too complicated and difficult to understand – used especially about someone’s language or arguments, or about a system: convoluted sentences | Procedures for government funding have become more convoluted. | James’s books are full of long paragraphs and convoluted sentences, which many people do not find appealing.
   ▪ intricate having a lot of small parts or details – used especially about something that is cleverly designed or made: Lasers are used to cut intricate designs in the metal. | The farmers use an intricate system of drainage canals. | the intricate workings of a watch | intricate patterns of coloured marble

con·vo·lutedBrE /ˈkɒnvəluːtɪd/ 🔊NAmE /ˈkɑːnvəluːtɪd/ 🔊 adjectiveextremely complicated and difficult to follow 错综复杂的；晦涩难懂的◆a convoluted argument/explanation 晦涩费解的论证／阐述◆a book with a convoluted plot情节错综复杂的书(formal) having many twists or curves 盘绕的；弯曲的◆a convoluted coastline蜿蜒的海岸线