twist

²twist

noun

Definition of TWIST

1

: something formed by twisting or winding: as a : a thread, yarn, or cord formed by twisting two or more strands together b : a strong tightly twisted sewing silk c : a baked piece of twisted dough d : tobacco leaves twisted into a thick roll e : a strip of citrus peel used to flavor a drink

2

a : an act of twisting : the state of being twisted b : a dance performed with strenuous gyrations especially of the hips c : the spin given the ball in any of various games d : a spiral turn or curve e (1) : torque or torsional stress applied to a body (as a rod or shaft) (2) : torsional strain (3) : the angle through which a thing is twisted

3

a : a turning off a straight course b : eccentricity, idiosyncrasy c : a distortion of meaning or sense

4

a : an unexpected turn or development <weird twists of fate — W. L. Shirer> b : a clever device : trick <questions demanding special twists of thinking — New Yorker> c : a variant approach or method : gimmick <a kind of twist on the old triangle theme — Dave Fedo>

5

: a front or back dive in which the diver twists sideways a half or full turn before entering the water

— twisty \ˈtwis-tē\ adjective

Examples of TWIST

1. a simple twist of the wrist
2. The jar should open with a twist of the lid.
3. The road has some nasty twists.
4. The coastal road had many twists and turns.
5. It was a film noir with some clever twists.
6. In an unusual twist, the police arrested one of their own.
7. They were brought together by a strange twist of fate.

First Known Use of TWIST

1555

Related to TWIST

Synonyms: wrench, twisting, wrenching, wresting, wringing

Related Words: draft, draw, extraction, pull, tug, yank; dislocation, displacement

Near Antonyms: conformity, sameness

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Other Handicraft Terms

biscuit, darn, tambour, wrought