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 twisted
2 : the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis
3 : 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