Find the word definition

The Collaborative International Dictionary
Voluble stem

Voluble \Vol"u*ble\, a. [L. volubilis, fr. volvere, volutum, to roll, to turn round; akin to Gr. ? to infold, to inwrap, ? to roll, G. welle a wave: cf. F. voluble. Cf. F. Well of water, Convolvulus, Devolve, Involve, Revolt, Vault an arch, Volume, Volute.]

  1. Easily rolling or turning; easily set in motion; apt to roll; rotating; as, voluble particles of matter.

  2. Moving with ease and smoothness in uttering words; of rapid speech; nimble in speaking; glib; as, a flippant, voluble, tongue.

    [Cassio,] a knave very voluble.
    --Shak.

    Note: Voluble was used formerly to indicate readiness of speech merely, without any derogatory suggestion. ``A grave and voluble eloquence.''
    --Bp. Hacket.

  3. Changeable; unstable; fickle. [Obs.]

  4. (Bot.) Having the power or habit of turning or twining; as, the voluble stem of hop plants.

    Voluble stem (Bot.), a stem that climbs by winding, or twining, round another body. [1913 Webster] -- Vol"u*ble*ness, n. -- Vol"u*bly, adv.