torsion

noun

tor·​sion ˈtȯr-shən 

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

torsional

ˈtȯr-shnəl 

-shə-nᵊl

adjective

torsionally adverb

Examples of torsion in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their instrument is called a torsion balance: a metal disk with holes cut out of it hangs down from a fine wire, with a similar disk right below it that rotates at a constant rate. —Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2021

In order to make the ride as smooth and silent as possible, Jeep’s engineers tweaked the body torsion stiffness for a 35 percent improvement over other midsize Jeeps. —Andrew J. Hawkins, The Verge, 30 May 2024

The following day, a vet told her that Boo had liver torsion, which can be life-threatening if not treated immediately. —Luisa Beltran, Fortune, 9 May 2024

The couple, then based in Oakland, California, had penciled in a trip to Andalusia, Spain, months before, but were unsure whether to go ahead with it when the health of Luban, who has torsion dystonia, a rare movement disorder, began to deteriorate. —Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1543, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing torsion

• torsion bar

Kids Definition

torsion

noun

tor·​sion ˈtȯr-shən 

1

: the act or process of turning or twisting

2

: the state of being twisted

Medical Definition

torsion

noun

tor·​sion ˈtȯr-shən 

1

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

intestinal torsion

2

: 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

torsional

ˈtȯr-shnəl, -shən-ᵊl 

adjective