convolvulus

noun

con·​vol·​vu·​lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs How to pronounce convolvulus (audio)
-ˈvȯl-,
 also  -ˈväv-yə-,
 or  -ˈvȯv-yə-
plural convolvuluses or convolvuli kən-ˈväl-vyə-ˌlī How to pronounce convolvulus (audio)
-ˌlē,
-ˈvȯl-,
 also  -ˈväv-yə-,
 or  -ˈvȯv-yə-
: any of a genus (Convolvulus) of erect, trailing, or twining herbs and shrubs of the morning-glory family

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, genus name, going back to Latin convolvolus "bindweed (Calystegia sepium or a related species)," from convolvere "to roll round or up, coil, twist, wrap round" + -olus, noun suffix, usually with diminutive value — more at convolve

First Known Use

1548, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of convolvulus was in 1548

Dictionary Entries Near convolvulus

Convolvulaceae

convolvulus

convoy

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Convolvulus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convolvulus. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

convolvulus

noun
con·​vol·​vu·​lus kən-ˈväl-vyə-ləs How to pronounce convolvulus (audio)
-ˈvȯl-
plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī How to pronounce convolvulus (audio)
-ˌlē
: any of a genus of trailing or twining herbs and shrubs that are related to the morning glories

Medical Definition

convolvulus

noun
con·​vol·​vu·​lus
-ˈväl-vyə-ləs, -ˈvȯl- also -ˈväv-yə-, -ˈvȯv-yə-
1
capitalized : a genus of erect trailing or twining herbs and shrubs (family Convolvulaceae) chiefly of temperate regions
2
plural convolvuluses or convolvuli -ˌlī, -ˌlē How to pronounce convolvulus (audio) : a plant of the genus Convolvulus
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