torque

[tawrk]

noun

1. Mechanics.,  something that produces or tends to produce torsion or rotation; the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation.

2. Machinery.,  the measured ability of a rotating element, as of a gear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance.

3. Optics.,  the rotational effect on plane-polarized light passing through certain liquids or crystals.

4. Also torc a collar, necklace, or similar ornament consisting of a twisted narrow band, usually of precious metal, worn especially by the ancient Gauls and Britons.

verb (used with object)

torqued, torquing 

1. Machinery.,  to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).

2. to cause to rotate or twist.

verb (used without object)

torqued, torquing 

1. to rotate or twist.

torque

/ tɔːk /

noun

1. Also: torc. a necklace or armband made of twisted metal, worn esp by the ancient Britons and Gauls

2. any force or system of forces that causes or tends to cause rotation

3. the ability of a shaft to cause rotation

torque

1. The tendency of a force applied to an object to make it rotate about an axis. For a force applied at a single point, the magnitude of the torque is equal to the magnitude of the force multiplied by the distance from its point of application to an axis of rotation. Torque is also a vector quantity, equal to the vector product of the vector pointing from the axis to the point of application of force and the vector of force; torque thus points upward from a counterclockwise rotation.

2. See also angular momentum lever

Word History and Origins

Origin of torque¹

First recorded in 1825–35; from Latin torquēre “to twist”; torque def. 4 is from French torque, from Latin torques “collar” (the spelling torc is perhaps from Irish, ultimately from Latin ); torques

Word History and Origins

Origin of torque¹

C19: from Latin torquēs necklace, and torquēre to twist

Example Sentences

It constantly adjusts the amount of torque to the wheels.

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That “dual role” allows silver to respond to both manufacturing trends and safe-haven buying, giving it “more torque when both forces align,” said Rhind.

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Her dad, she writes, would infuriate her mother by refusing to use “the torque fork.”

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A throw built on generating torque from his legs to his hips and on through his shoulder and lengthy right arm, instead started to look inefficient and uncomfortable.

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Please note also that if you want the full measure of horsepower and torque from either engine you have to use premium-grade gasoline.

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