torque

UK: /ˈtɔː^rk/ US: /tɔrk/ ,(tôrk)

Inflections of 'torque' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

torques

v 3rd person singular

torquing

v pres p

torqued

v past

torqued

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

torque¹ /tɔrk/   n. [uncountable]

1. Mechanical Engineering the measured ability of a twisting part of machinery, as of a shaft, to overcome resistance to such turning.

See -tort-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

torque (tôrk),  n., v., torqued, torqu•ing. 

n. 

1. [Mech.] something that produces or tends to produce torsion or rotation;
   the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation.
2. [Mach.] the measured ability of a rotating element, as of a gear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance.
3. [Optics.] the rotational effect on plane-polarized light passing through certain liquids or crystals.
4. Also, torc. a collar, necklace, or similar ornament consisting of a twisted narrow band, usually of precious metal, worn esp. by the ancient Gauls and Britons.

v.t. 

5. Mechanical Engineering [Mach.] to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).
6. to cause to rotate or twist.

v.i. 

7. to rotate or twist.

• Irish Latin)
• Latin torques torques (torc perh.
• French torque
• Latin torquēre to twist; (def. 4)
• 1825–35

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

torque / tɔːk/ noun

1. Also: torc a necklace or armband made of twisted metal, worn esp by the ancient Britons and Gauls
2. any force or system of forces that causes or tends to cause rotation

Etymology: 19th Century: from Latin torquēs necklace, and torquēre to twist