- Also: torc
a necklace or armband made of twisted metal, worn esp by the ancient Britons and Gauls any force or system of forces that causes or tends to cause rotation
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
torque1 /tɔrk/USA pronunciation
n. [uncountable]
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Mechanical Engineeringthe measured ability of a twisting part of machinery, as of a shaft, to overcome resistance to such turning.
torque (tôrk),USA pronunciation
n., v., torqued, torqu•ing.
n.
v.t.
v.i.
n.
- [Mech.]something that produces or tends to produce torsion or rotation;
the moment of a force or system of forces tending to cause rotation. - [Mach.]the measured ability of a rotating element, as of a gear or shaft, to overcome turning resistance.
- [Optics.]the rotational effect on plane-polarized light passing through certain liquids or crystals.
- 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.
- Mechanical Engineering[Mach.]to apply torque to (a nut, bolt, etc.).
- to cause to rotate or twist.
v.i.
- to rotate or twist.
- Irish
Latin) - Latin torques torques (torc perh.
- French torque
- Latin torquēre to twist; (def. 4)
- 1825–35
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