Main Entry:

tor·sion

Pronunciation:

\ˈtȯr-shən\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

Late Latin torsion-, torsio torment, alteration of Latin tortio, from torquēre to twist

Date:

1543

1: the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of forces tending to turn one end or part about a longitudinal axis while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction ; also : the state of being twisted2: the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis3: the reactive torque that an elastic solid exerts by reason of being under torsion

— tor·sion·al \ˈtȯr-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

— tor·sion·al·ly adverb