Sinuous: meaning, definitions and examples

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sinuous

[ˈsɪnjuəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

snake-like

Having many curves and turns; winding in a serpentine or wavy form.

Synonyms

curving, serpentine, winding.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sinuous	Used to describe something that has many smooth and graceful curves or bends. Often used to convey elegance or beauty in the shape. The sinuous lines of the dancer's body were mesmerizing; The road followed the sinuous path of the river
winding	Best for describing paths, roads, or rivers that loop and twist over a distance. It typically emphasizes the length and number of turns. We took a winding road to the top of the mountain; The winding river nestled between the hills was a beautiful sight
curving	Appropriate for general descriptions of anything that bends gradually without sharp turns. Often used in more neutral contexts. The curving street led us back to the main road; She admired the curving lines of the new sculpture
serpentine	Used to describe something that has a snake-like quality, often implying complexity or intricacy. Can sometimes carry a negative connotation if it suggests something tricky or devious. The serpentine path through the gardens made it easy to get lost; The politician's serpentine reasoning was hard to follow

Examples of usage

The river followed a sinuous path through the forest.
Her sinuous movements on the dance floor captivated the audience.
The snake moved with sinuous grace through the grass.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

complex

Intricate and complex, often in a way that is difficult to follow or understand.

Synonyms

convoluted, intricate, twisting.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sinuous	Used to describe something with many curves and turns, often with a graceful or flowing appearance. Commonly applied to natural forms like rivers or bodies. The hikers followed the sinuous path through the forest. Her sinuous movements made the dance mesmerizing to watch.
intricate	Used for something that is very detailed and complex, often involving many small parts working together. This term is neutral to positive and can describe designs, mechanisms, or stories. The artist's work is known for its intricate patterns. The novel's plot is intricate, with many interwoven subplots.
convoluted	Often used to describe something that is extremely complex and difficult to understand, sometimes excessively so. This term can carry a negative connotation when referring to explanations, plans, or arguments. The instructions were so convoluted that no one could follow them. He gave a convoluted explanation that only confused everyone further.
twisting	Describes something that moves in a turning or spiraling manner, commonly used for physical movements or paths. It can indicate a more dramatic or forceful change of direction compared to 'sinuous'. The twisting road up the mountain made driving difficult. She watched the twisting vines grow around the trellis.

Examples of usage

The plot of the movie was sinuous, with unexpected twists and turns.
Her sinuous reasoning led to a confusing conclusion.
The sinuous patterns on the fabric were mesmerizing.

^{Context #3 | Adjective}

fluid motion

Moving in a smooth, flowing manner with grace and elegance.

Synonyms

elegant, fluid, graceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
sinuous	This word is best used to describe something that has many curves and bends, often in a way that is smooth and aesthetically pleasing. It can describe physical forms such as roads, rivers, or even body movements. The sinuous path through the forest added an element of adventure to our hike. Her sinuous dance movements captivated everyone in the room.
graceful	This word describes movement that is smooth, beautiful, and elegant. Often used to compliment someone's physical movements or artistic performances. The ballerina's performance was graceful and mesmerizing. Despite his age, he climbed the stairs with a graceful ease.
fluid	Best used to describe movement that is smooth and continuous, like liquid. Can also refer to ideas or situations that are flexible and adaptable. His fluid motions on the basketball court made it look easy. The conversation flowed in a fluid manner, with everyone contributing their thoughts effortlessly.
elegant	Use this word to describe something that is refined, tasteful, and sophisticated. Often used in contexts related to fashion, design, art, and manners. She wore an elegant black dress to the gala. The elegant architecture of the old building was breathtaking.

Examples of usage

The ballet dancer's sinuous movements were like poetry in motion.
The gymnast executed a sinuous routine with precision and skill.
The silk scarf floated in sinuous waves in the air.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term comes from the Latin word 'sinuosus', which means 'full of bends'.
Its roots can be traced to 'sinus', meaning 'bay' or 'fold', emphasizing curves.
The word has been in use in the English language since the 14th century.

Nature

Many rivers and streams are considered sinuous due to their meandering paths.
Certain plants, like the climbing vine, display sinuous growth as they twist around objects to reach sunlight.
The sine function in mathematics describes smooth, wavy patterns similar to sinuous shapes found in nature.

Art and Design

Sinuous lines are often used in art to create a sense of movement and fluidity.
Art Nouveau, a design style from the late 19th and early 20th century, prominently features sinuous, organic forms.
Famous artists like Gustav Klimt incorporated sinuous patterns into their work, giving depth and elegance.

Physics

Sinuous objects can affect how waves propagate, like in acoustics where shapes impact sound movements.
In fluid dynamics, sinuous pathways in a pipe can influence flow patterns and resistance.
The sinuous flow of air or water can create turbulence, illustrating complex motion in nature.

Psychology

Research shows that visuals with sinuous shapes can evoke feelings of calm and relaxation in viewers.
Curvy, sinuous lines in design may attract more attention than sharp, angular shapes due to natural human preferences.
In human psychology, environments with sinuous pathways can encourage exploration and increase feelings of safety.

Translations

Translations of the word "sinuous" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sinuoso

🇮🇳 लहरदार

🇩🇪 geschwungen

🇮🇩 berkelok-kelok

🇺🇦 звивистий

🇵🇱 kręty

🇯🇵 曲がりくねった

🇫🇷 sinueux

🇪🇸 sinuoso

🇹🇷 kıvrımlı

🇰🇷 구불구불한

🇸🇦 متعرج

🇨🇿 klikatý

🇸🇰 kľukatý

🇨🇳 蜿蜒的

🇸🇮 vijugast

🇮🇸 bugðótt

🇰🇿 ирек

🇬🇪 გზაგასაყარი

🇦🇿 qıvrım

🇲🇽 sinuoso

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,069, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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