torsion

American  

[tawr-shuhn] / ˈtɔr ʃən /

noun

1. the act of twisting.

2. the state of being twisted.

3. Mechanics.

   1. the twisting of a body by two equal and opposite torques.

   2. the internal torque so produced.

4. Mathematics.

   1. the degree of departure of a curve from a plane.

   2. a number measuring this.

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torsion British  

/ ˈtɔːʃən /

noun

1. 1. the twisting of a part by application of equal and opposite torques at either end

   2. the condition of twist and shear stress produced by a torque on a part or component

2. the act of twisting or the state of being twisted

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torsion Scientific  

/ tôr′shən /

1. The stress on an object when torque is applied to it.

2. A mathematical operation in geometry measuring how tightly a plane is twisted.

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Other Word Forms

• torsional adjective
• torsionally adverb

Etymology

Origin of torsion

1375–1425; 1535–45 torsion for def. 1; late Middle English torcion wringing one's bowels < Old French torsion < Late Latin torsiōn- (stem of torsiō ) torment, equivalent to tors ( us ) twisted ( see torse) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

A force that twists something is called torsion. The shape of the twisted object can also be called torsion, like the torsion of a tree's branches that makes it tricky to build a treehouse. In physics, you can calculate torsion using a formula. The turning or twisting force that causes torsion is called torque. Both words share a Latin root, torquere, "to twist or distort." Torsion first meant "wringing pain in the bowels," from the idea that abdominal pain was caused by twisted insides. Medically, torsion is still used today for conditions caused by twisting, like a torsion fracture, when a bone breaks while twisting.

Example Sentences

The researchers also connect geometric torsion to the curvature of spacetime on large scales.

From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025

There was nothing unusual in their collision, but a coincidence of torsion and tension ruptured Roigard’s patella tendon.

From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024

In the months after her surgery, the band that constricted her stomach slipped and she developed gastric torsion.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023

The intestinal torsion meant the dolphin’s intestines had twisted so deeply in an area that made it impossible to reach through surgery.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2021

She disabled a third siege weapon by sawing through the torsion ropes, which should give the Argo II a clear approach from the north.

From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan

Related Words

• curve
• flourish