twiddly

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   informal: winding, twisting, or intricately shaped

   A network of twiddly lanes crossed the hills between the villages.

2. 2
   adj

   informal: decorated with small curls, flourishes, or fussy details

   The frame had twiddly ornaments carved into every corner.

3. 3
   adj

   music, informal: containing many rapid, elaborate notes

   The guitarist avoided twiddly solos and played a simple melody.

4. 4
   adj

   informal: designed to be turned or finely adjusted with the fingers

   The old radio had several twiddly knobs beneath the dial.

Formed from twiddle + -y. The adjective extends the small turning motion of twiddling to winding shapes, decorative flourishes, intricate musical runs, and controls adjusted by repeated finger movements.

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