cir·cu·i·tous

[ser-kyoo-i-tuhs]
adjective
roundabout; not direct: a circuitous route; a circuitous argument.

Origin:
1655–65; < Medieval Latin circuitōsus, equivalent to circuit(us) circuit + -ōsus -ous

cir·cu·i·tous·ly, adverb
cir·cu·i·tous·ness, noun
non·cir·cu·i·tous, adjective
non·cir·cu·i·tous·ly, adverb
non·cir·cu·i·tous·ness, noun
un·cir·cu·i·tous, adjective
un·cir·cu·i·tous·ly, adverb
un·cir·cu·i·tous·ness, noun


circular, winding, indirect, meandering.


straight, direct.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source Link To circuitous
00:10
Circuitous is always a great word to know.
So is callithumpian. Does it mean:
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
a gadget; dingus; thingumbob.
Collins
World English Dictionary
circuitous (səˈkjuːɪtəs) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
adj
indirect and lengthy; roundabout: a circuitous route
 
cir'cuitously
 
adv
 
cir'cuitousness
 
n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Etymonline
Word Origin & History

circuitous
1664, from L.L. circuitous "full of roundabout ways," from circuit (see circuit).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
In these cases circuitous routes were used for the sole purpose of evading regulations.
Additionally, social systems are complex enough that they may take a tortuous and circuitous route back toward equilibrium.
However, circuitous routes were used where intrastate authority was lacking.
Their words were obtuse and the presentations circuitous.
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