* Physical paths: A tortuous road, a tortuous river, a tortuous maze.
* Abstract concepts: A tortuous argument, a tortuous plot, a tortuous journey.
The word comes from the Latin word "tortus" meaning "twisted". It is often used to describe something that is difficult to navigate or understand due to its complexity or winding nature.
Here are some examples:
* "The hikers followed a tortuous path through the dense forest."
* "The lawyer presented a tortuous argument, making it difficult to follow his logic."
* "The novel's plot was so tortuous that I had to reread certain sections to make sure I understood what was happening."