/ ˈtɔːtʃuəs; NAmE ˈtɔːrtʃ-/ adjective [ usually before noun ] ( formal )
1.
(usually disapproving ) not simple and direct; long, complicated and difficult to understand
SYN convoluted :
tortuous language
the long, tortuous process of negotiating peace
2.
( of a road, path, etc. ) full of bends
SYN winding
► tor·tu·ous·ly adverb
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WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : via Old French from Latin tortuosus , from tortus twisting, a twist, from Latin torquere to twist.