Anfractuous

Saturday, June 28, 2025
Word of the Day

What is Anfractuous?

adjective
Sinuous; full of windings and turnings.

Pronunciation

US pronunciation: /ænˈfræk.tʃuː.əs/
UK pronunciation: /ænˈfræk.tjʊ.əs/
Slow pronunciation: an-FRAK-choo-us

Meaning Explained

Anfractuous maps the winding path—of canyons, streets, or arguments with many bends.

Why This Word?

Chosen to describe meandering summer hikes and labyrinthine plots.

Examples of Use

Here's how this word appears in everyday language:

  • An anfractuous river carved silver loops.
  • Her anfractuous reasoning eventually reached the truth.
  • The town's anfractuous lanes defied maps.

Word Origins

Latin anfractus "a winding, coil," from frangere "to break" (as in a broken, bending line)

Often used in geology and rhetoric.

First appearance in English: 17th century

Word Family

Related forms of this word:

  • Adjective: tortuous

    A tortuous trail climbed the ridge.

  • Adjective: meandering

    A meandering thesis found its core.

  • Adjective: labyrinthine

    Labyrinthine alleys hid courtyards.

Around the World

How this word appears in other languages:

  • Spanish: anfractuoso / sinuoso
  • French: anfractueux
  • German: gewunden / verschlungen
  • Italian: anfrattuoso / tortuoso
  • Portuguese: anfractuoso / sinuoso

If you Already Know This Word

If you've mastered this word, try these more advanced alternatives:

Tortuous

Winding with possible discomfort; anfractuous is descriptive.

Circuitous

Indirect route; anfractuous stresses curvature.

Serpentine

Snake-like curves; more vivid image.

Fun Facts

  • The brain's "anfractuosities" are cortical folds.
  • Pilgrimage routes were once intentionally anfractuous.

Cultural Usage

  • Anfractuous joints shape karst landscapes.
  • Baroque prose delights in anfractuous syntax.

Common Mistakes

Not "infractious" (not a word); avoid "fractious" confusion.

Micro Story

They picked their way along an anfractuous slot canyon.