torsion

[ tawr-shuh n ]

/ ˈtɔr ʃən /

SEE SYNONYMS FOR torsion ON THESAURUS.COM

noun

the act of twisting.

the state of being twisted.

Mechanics.

the twisting of a body by two equal and opposite torques.
the internal torque so produced.

Mathematics.

the degree of departure of a curve from a plane.
a number measuring this.

Words nearby torsion

torsade de pointes, torse, torsel, torsi, torsibility, torsion, torsion balance, torsion bar, torsion forceps, torsion fracture, torsion group

Origin of torsion

1375–1425; 1535–45 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

OTHER WORDS FROM torsion

tor·sion·al, adjectivetor·sion·al·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for torsion

To illustrate the movement of torsion in the spine, or its rotation round its own axis.
A Practical Physiology|Albert F. Blaisdell
The geotropic curvature and torsion are increased by lowering of temperature, and decreased by rise of temperature.
Life Movements in Plants, Volume II, 1919|Sir Jagadis Chunder Bose
Between the hook or crank (e) and the centre of the upper screw (a a), the india-rubber in a state of torsion (f) extends.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5|Various
The torsion thread itself was not of metal, but glass, according to the excellent suggestion of the late Dr. Ritchie236.
Experimental Researches in Electricity, Volume 1|Michael Faraday

The motive power was india-rubber in the condition of torsion; the propeller, a screw.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 5|Various

British Dictionary definitions for torsion

torsion

/ (ˈtɔːʃən) /

noun

the twisting of a part by application of equal and opposite torques at either end
the condition of twist and shear stress produced by a torque on a part or component

the act of twisting or the state of being twisted

Derived forms of torsion

torsional, adjectivetorsionally, adverb

Word Origin for torsion

C15: from Old French, from medical Latin torsiō griping pains, from Latin torquēre to twist, torture

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012