tortuous

/'tɔ:tjuəs/

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Explanation of the Word "Tortuous"

Definition: The word "tortuous" is an adjective that describes something that is not straightforward, often involving many twists, turns, or complexities. It can refer to physical paths, like roads, as well as abstract concepts, such as reasoning, discussions, or procedures.

Summary

In summary, "tortuous" describes something that is complicated, winding, or not straightforward.

Academic

Adjective

1. not straightforward
   • his tortuous reasoning
2. marked by repeated turns and bends
   • a tortuous road up the mountain
   • winding roads are full of surprises
   • had to steer the car down a twisty track
3. highly complex or intricate and occasionally devious
   • the Byzantine tax structure
   • Byzantine methods for holding on to his chairmanship
   • convoluted legal language
   • convoluted reasoning
   • the plot was too involved
   • a knotty problem
   • got his way by labyrinthine maneuvering
   • Oh, what a tangled web we weave- Sir Walter Scott
   • tortuous legal procedures
   • tortuous negotiations lasting for months

Synonyms

• twisting
• twisty
• winding
• voluminous
• Byzantine
• convoluted
• involved
• knotty
• tangled