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
torsionally
adverb
Examples of torsion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Our group has developed a low-power biopsy system that builds on the torsion-spring approach.
—
IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
If the organs have a mixed orientation — some in the usual positions, some not — that could lead to torsion of the intestines, a painful condition that crops up in early childhood.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
However, Michell also devised a method for measuring G independently of any mass in the Universe, designing and constructing an apparatus known as a torsion balance back in 1783.
—Big Think, 14 Nov. 2025
Ruf also reinforced the 911S’s chassis and equipped it with a Bilstein suspension, a G50 rear torsion tube, and 930 disc brakes.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torsion
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IEEE Spectrum, 18 Feb. 2026
If the organs have a mixed orientation — some in the usual positions, some not — that could lead to torsion of the intestines, a painful condition that crops up in early childhood.
—Elizabeth Cooney, STAT, 2 Feb. 2026
However, Michell also devised a method for measuring G independently of any mass in the Universe, designing and constructing an apparatus known as a torsion balance back in 1783.
—Big Think, 14 Nov. 2025
Ruf also reinforced the 911S’s chassis and equipped it with a Bilstein suspension, a G50 rear torsion tube, and 930 disc brakes.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for torsion
Cite this Entry
“Torsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torsion. Accessed 8 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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