circumvolutionary

comparative more circumvolutionary · superlative most circumvolutionary

1. Pertaining to something that revolves, rotates, or gyrates around an axis.

   In this respect it is like the rolling avalanche, that leaves detached portions of its bulk by the way, and yet keeps augmenting in its circumvolutionary course.

   1901, Lorenzo Dow, Jr., "Impovement", in D. Barton Ross, A Southern Speaker, page 279

   2 more examples

   ... instead of arriving at Nichilli, on the 21st, their arrival did not take place until the 27th; and this delay was solely to be attributed to the circumvolutionary disposition of their guides, who, instead of proceeding in a straight line to the destined spot, went in a curvilinear direction, until, at one time, they were at a greater distance from Nichilli than they were when they set out from the ship.

   1835, Robert Huish, The Last Voyage of Capt. Sir John Ross, page 515

   But the circumvolutionary motion of a planetary vortex, in like manner, effects the rotary motion of the planet and the orbital motion of its respective satellites.

   1920, John Martin Russell, Solar empyrean; or, Cosmos and the mysteries expounded, page 47