A circuitous route is a winding or indirect path, often used to avoid obstacles or to take a scenic route. The term 'circuitous route' can be broken down into two words: ROUNDABOUT (10 letters) and DETOUR (6 letters). ROUNDABOUT is defined as a road junction at which traffic streams circularly around a central island, while DETOUR is defined as a route that deviates from the usual direct route. Together, these two words form the phrase 'circuitous route, ' which describes a winding or indirect path.