What term describes something that is winding, twisted, or devious?

The term that most accurately describes something that is winding, twisted, or devious is "tortuous." This word often refers to pathways or routes that are not straightforward, suggesting a complex or intricate layout that can be difficult to navigate. In contexts such as medical or anatomical descriptions, tortuous can also indicate a twisted or excessively complicated structure.

While "convoluted," "labyrinthine," and "serpentine" share some similarities with tortuous, they have subtle distinctions. "Convoluted" typically emphasizes complexity and can imply that something is unnecessarily complicated, rather than focusing solely on its winding nature. "Labyrinthine" evokes the image of a maze, emphasizing not just twists but also confusion and an elaborate network. "Serpentine," on the other hand, often specifically relates to a snake-like form or movement but doesn't inherently convey the idea of complexity or deviousness as directly as "tortuous" does. Therefore, choosing "tortuous" effectively captures the essence of something that is both winding and complicated, making it the best answer in this context.