Definition of tortuous

The word "tortuous" can be traced back to the Latin word "tortuōsus," meaning twisted or winding. In medieval times, the Old French word "toruous" derived from Latin, which was used to describe things that were twisting or winding. By the 16th century, the English word "tortuous" emerged, with its primary meaning being "full of twists and turns." Over time, the meaning of "tortuous" has expanded to include descriptions of actions, processes, or situations that are convoluted, complicated, or difficult to understand or follow. Tortuous paths, for instance, refer to winding and complicated routes, while a tortuous process may indicate a convoluted and possibly challenging procedure. Today, "tortuous" remains a versatile and widely used word, thanks to its ancient Latin roots.