torso

[tawr-soh]

noun

plural

torsos, torsi 

1. the trunk of the human body.

2. a sculptured form representing the trunk of a nude female or male figure.

3. something mutilated or incomplete.

torso

/ ˈtɔːsəʊ /

noun

1. the trunk of the human body

2. a statue of a nude human trunk, esp without the head or limbs

3. something regarded as incomplete or truncated

Word History and Origins

Origin of torso¹

1715–25; < Italian: stalk, trunk of statue < Latin thyrsus < Greek thýrsos wand, stem

Word History and Origins

Origin of torso¹

C18: from Italian: stalk, stump, from Latin: _thyrsus

Example Sentences

Their reconstruction reveals a tall crest running along the neck and torso, a row of spikes down the tail, and hooves that enclosed the toes.

Read more on Science Daily

Maher said he was sculpting to ideate on this new version of the character when he accidentally punched a hole in the figure’s torso.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The first Roman Torlonia acquired important antique sculptures assembled by earlier collectors, with everything restored to perfection—no missing noses or limbless torsos.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

On the second evening, he removed his shirt outside the dressing room to reveal a torso of muscles on top of muscles.

Read more on BBC

At the centre of Conor Benn's heavily tattooed torso is a large cross and at the bottom of his stomach he has the words 'Fear God' inked on his skin.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• bronze 
• bust 
• effigy 
• figure 
• icon 
• image 
• likeness 
• marble 
• piece 
• sculpture 
• statuary 
• statuette