involution

[ˌɪnvəˈluːʃ(ə)n]

involution Definition

• 1. the act or an instance of involving or complicating
• 2. a decrease in size or number of an organ, tissue, or other structure as a result of normal development or aging processes
• 3. a mathematical function that is its own inverse

Using involution: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "involution" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The involution of the uterus after childbirth is a normal process.

• Example

  The involution of the brain with age can lead to cognitive decline.

• Example

  The involution of the thymus gland is a natural part of aging.

• Example

  The involution of the function f(x) = x^3 is g(x) = ∛x.

involution Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for involution

• complication
• entanglement
• complexity
• reduction
• shrinking

Antonyms for involution

• expansion
• growth

Phrases with involution

• involutional melancholia

  a severe form of depression that occurs in elderly people and is characterized by feelings of worthlessness, sadness, and hopelessness

  Example

  My grandmother was diagnosed with involutional melancholia after my grandfather passed away.

• involutional osteoporosis

  a type of bone loss that occurs in elderly people, especially women, due to hormonal changes and decreased physical activity

  Example

  My doctor told me I have involutional osteoporosis and prescribed medication to help prevent fractures.

• involutional psychosis

  a mental disorder that affects elderly people and is characterized by delusions, hallucinations, and disordered thinking

  Example

  My great-grandfather suffered from involutional psychosis in his later years and had to be hospitalized.

Origins of involution

from Latin 'involūtiō', meaning 'a rolling up'

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Summary: involution in Brief

Involution [ˌɪnvəˈluːʃ(ə)n] refers to the act of involving or complicating something, the decrease in size or number of an organ or tissue due to normal development or aging, or a mathematical function that is its own inverse. Examples include the involution of the uterus after childbirth, the involution of the brain with age, and the involution of the function f(x) = x^3. Involutional melancholia, osteoporosis, and psychosis are specific conditions related to aging. The term is formal and used in medical and mathematical contexts.