🌀 To twist together 🌱 Rolled up

convolute

9.8

Rolled along their length, like young leaves or petals before opening

adjective
/ˈkɒnvəˌluːt/

Specialized

: enrollado

The flower has convolute petals that unroll as they bloom.

Examples

In some plants, the young leaves are convolute before they expand.
Have you seen the convolute petals of that flower?
The convolute structure helps protect the delicate inner tissues.
The convolute leaves of the plant were fascinating.
In some plants, the young leaves are convolute before they expand.
The flower has convolute petals that unroll as they bloom.
The convolute structure helps protect the delicate inner tissues.

Synonyms

convoluted

vsconvolute

Specialized

1 8.5

Rolled up along its length, as a leaf often is in a bud

is the alternative form used for the same botanical condition

coiled

vsconvolute

1 4.3

Shaped like tight rings or spirals

is a lengthwise roll along the organ, not circular spirals

rolled

vsconvolute

Specialized

5.9

Edges curve inward to protect young petals or leaves

is lengthwise rolling of the whole structure rather than only edge curling

involute

vsconvolute

Specialized

9.9

Edges rolled inward, as petals before they open

is rolling along the length of the organ rather than just margins

How Rolled

convolute

Specialized

9.8

coiled

1 4.3

rolled

2.1

curled

1.4

flat

797 1.0

Surface Forms

convolute positive

Morphology

convolute = volute (semi-transparent) = con + volute

The prefix 'con-' means 'together' and 'volute' means spiral, but the meaning 'rolled or coiled upon themselves' is only partially transparent to learners.

Etymology

Convolute comes from con- 'together' and volvere 'to roll', the same root as revolve. Picture a young leaf rolled up like a little scroll with its parts 'rolled together', so convolute means 'rolled or coiled upon themselves'.