Volvulus
/ˈvɒl.vjʊ.ləs/noun
A twisting of the intestine that can cause obstruction.
Did you know?Volvulus comes from Latin volvulus, a diminutive of volvere, the same root behind revolve, involve, and voluble—so this medical term literally names a body that has twisted into a tiny roll.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
volvulus
“a little roll or twist”
Latin
Latin
volvere
“to roll, turn, or twist”
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wel-
“to turn, roll”
Modern English
English
volvulus
“a twisting of the intestine causing obstruction”