torque

noun \ ˈtȯrk \

Definition of torque

1 : a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion

an automobile engine delivers torque to the drive shaft

; also : a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation

2 : a turning or twisting force

Origin and Etymology of torque

Latin torquēre to twist

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: circa 1884

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

Other Archaeology Terms

Attic, Byzantine, Paleolithic, cairn, core, flint, horizon, neolithic, shard, stratum

torque

verb

Definition of torque

torqued; torquing

transitive verb

: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)

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torquer

noun

First Known Use of torque

1959

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

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Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

torque

noun

variants: or torc

Definition of torque

: a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons

Origin and Etymology of torque

French, from Latin torques, from torquēre to twist — more at ¹torture

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1695

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Other Mechanical Engineering Terms

centrifuge, differential, flange, lathe, linchpin, pinion, plenum, ratchet, traction

Medical Dictionary

torque

noun \ ˈtȯrk \

medical Definition of torque

: a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion; also : a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation