sinuosity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (C1/C2)Formal, Literary, Technical
Quick answer
What does “sinuosity” mean?
The quality or state of being sinuous.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being sinuous; having many curves or bends.
In a figurative sense, it can refer to indirectness, complexity, or deviousness in thought, argument, or action.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or definition differences. Usage is equally rare in both dialects.
Connotations
Carries the same connotations of physical winding or intellectual indirectness in both dialects.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both, with a slight edge in British English due to more common descriptive geographical writing.
Grammar
How to Use “sinuosity” in a Sentence
the sinuosity of [NOUN PHRASE]with [ADJECTIVE] sinuositycharacterised by its sinuosityVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “sinuosity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A - The word is a noun. The related verb is 'to meander' or 'to wind'.
American English
- N/A - The word is a noun. The related verb is 'to meander' or 'to wind'.
adverb
British English
- N/A - The related adverb is 'sinuously'.
- The river flowed sinuously through the valley.
American English
- N/A - The related adverb is 'sinuously'.
- The vine grew sinuously up the trellis.
adjective
British English
- The sinuous road followed the ancient drover's path.
American English
- Her sinuous dance moves captivated the audience.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically to describe a complex, non-linear negotiation process.
Academic
Used in geography, geology, and fluid dynamics to describe the degree of winding in rivers or channels. Also in literary criticism.
Everyday
Very rare. Would sound highly formal or poetic.
Technical
Specific term in geomorphology (e.g., 'channel sinuosity index').
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “sinuosity”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “sinuosity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sinuosity”
- Pronouncing it as /saɪˈnuːɒsɪti/.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'a sinuosity') instead of an uncountable quality.
- Confusing with 'sinuous' (the adjective).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word typically encountered in academic, literary, or technical contexts (like geography).
'Sinuosity' is the noun describing the *quality* of being winding. 'Meandering' is more often a verb or adjective describing the *action* or *state* of winding. They are closely related, but 'sinuosity' is more abstract and formal.
Yes, figuratively. It can describe an argument or narrative that is indirect, complex, and not straightforward, though this is a less common usage.
The adjective is 'sinuous' (e.g., a sinuous snake, a sinuous melody).
The quality or state of being sinuous.
Sinuosity is usually formal, literary, technical in register.
Sinuosity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɪnjʊˈɒsɪti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɪnjuˈɑːsəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated. The adjectival form 'sinuous' is more common in figurative idioms (e.g., 'a sinuous argument').”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SINUOUS snake moving in a wavy line. SINUOSITY is the noun for that snake's wavy, curvy quality.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIRECTNESS/CLARITY IS STRAIGHTNESS; INDIRECTNESS/COMPLEXITY IS WINDING/CURVING (e.g., 'the sinuosity of his logic').
Practice
Quiz
In which field is 'sinuosity' a specific, measurable technical term?