2. (Bot.) (a) Twisted back upon itself, as some parts of plants. (b) Arranged so as to overlap each other; as, petals in contorted or convolute æstivation.
CONTORTION Con*tor"tion, n. Etym: [L. contortio: cf. F. contorsion. See Contort, and cf. Torsion.]
Defn: A twisting; a writhing; wry motion; a twist; as, the contortion of the muscles of the face. Swift. All the contortions of the sibyl, without the inspiration. Burke.
CONTORTIONIST
Con*tor"tion*ist, n.
Defn: One who makes or practices contortions.
CONTORTIVE
Con*tor"tive, a.
Defn: Expressing contortion.
CONTORTUPLICATE Con`tor*tu"pli*cate, a. Etym: [L. contortuplicatus; contortus contorted + plicare to fold.] (Bot.)
Defn: Plaited lengthwise and twisted in addition, as the bud of the morning-glory. Gray.
CONTOUR Con*tour", n. Etym: [F. contour, fr. contourner to mark the outlines; con- + tourner to turn. See Turn.]