noun
Describes a twisting, turning path or course, often used in the set phrase 紆余曲折 (うよきょくせつ) for a complicated, roundabout process.
人生は紆余曲折の連続だ。
Life is a series of twists and turns.
この川は紆余しながら流れている。
This river flows meanderingly.
The full four-character compound is far more common than 紆余 alone and means 'many twists and turns' or 'vicissitudes'.
A compound of 紆 (う, 'to wind, meander') and 余 (よ, 'excess, remainder'), together suggesting a winding, indirect course. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.