torsion

[ tawr-shuhn ]

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.

torsion

/ 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

torsion

/ 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.

Derived Forms

• ˈtorsionally, adverb
• ˈtorsional, adjective

Other Words From

• torsion·al adjective
• torsion·al·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of torsion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of torsion¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From BBC

Subsequently, researchers created bundles of fibres by tying the ends of two or more fibres together and applying slight torsion to ensure contact between all the fibres.

From Science Daily

The group identified key microstructural features that were created by the process's thermal and mechanical effects, including: torsion, bending, fragmentation, assimilation, oscillation and interdendritic growth.

From Science Daily

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• curve
• flourish