involution

noun in·vo·lu·tion \ˌin-və-ˈlü-shən\

Definition of INVOLUTION

a (1) : the act or an instance of enfolding or entangling : involvement (2) : an involved grammatical construction usually characterized by the insertion of clauses between the subject and predicate

b : complexity, intricacy

: exponentiation

a : an inward curvature or penetration

b : the formation of a gastrula by ingrowth of cells formed at the dorsal lip

: a shrinking or return to a former size

: the regressive alterations of a body or its parts characteristic of the aging process <skeletal involution due to loss of estrogens at menopause>

— in·vo·lu·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See involution defined for kids

Origin of INVOLUTION

Latin involution-, involutio, from involvere

First Known Use: circa 1611

Related to INVOLUTION

Synonyms: complexness, complicacy, complicatedness, complication, elaborateness, intricacy, intricateness, complexity, knottiness, sophistication

Antonyms: plainness, simpleness, simplicity

Rhymes with INVOLUTION

absolution, allocution, attribution, comminution, consecution, constitution, contribution, convolution, destitution, dissolution, distribution, elocution, evolution, execution, exsolution, institution, persecution, prosecution, prostitution, resolution, restitution, retribution, revolution, Rosicrucian, substitution

Medical Dictionary

involution

noun in·vo·lu·tion \ˌin-və-ˈlü-shən\

Medical Definition of INVOLUTION

a : an inward curvature or penetration b : the formation of a gastrula by ingrowth of cells formed at the dorsal lip

: a shrinking or return to a former size <involution of the uterus after pregnancy>

: the regressive alterations of a body or its parts characteristic of the aging process; specifically : decline marked by a decrease of bodily vigor and in women by menopause