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, torqu·ing.

1. Machinery. to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).
2. to cause to rotate or twist.

verb (used without object)

, torqued, torqu·ing.

1. to rotate or twist.

torque

/ tɔːk /

noun

1. Alsotorc 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

/ tôrk /

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

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

Metal framing along its walls and ceiling further torque.

From Los Angeles Times

The agency pushed the company to do the recall after a two-year investigation into Autopilot’s driver monitoring system, which measures torque on the steering wheel from a driver’s hands.

From Seattle Times

In his new stance, Canzone is in a more athletic position to generate more torque in his swing.

From Seattle Times

Most of that time is spent carefully rehabbing the elbow so it can withstand the unusual torque needed to throw a baseball 90-plus mph.

From Seattle Times

Tesla’s driver monitoring system relies on detecting torque from hands on the steering wheel to make sure drivers are paying attention.

From Seattle Times