torque

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈtȯrk 

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

torque

2 of 3

verb

torqued; torquing

transitive verb

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

torquer noun

torque

3 of 3

noun (2)

variants or torc

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

Examples of torque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

The deep well of torque leaves all but the most potent challengers behind at stoplights, and the quiet stock pipes still snap and growl under throttle. —William Roberson, Forbes, 16 Dec. 2024

The Hightail runs on a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) motor that generates 42 horsepower and 485 lb ft (660 Nm) of torque. —New Atlas, 16 Dec. 2024

Verb

Likewise, being too heavy-handed or trying to torque the screw too quickly can have the same effect. —Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024

But the Mercedes one-ups the Rivian by integrating a low-range gear reduction—a staple for any hardcore 4x4—that multiplies torque for rock crawling, dune bashing or other lower-speed situations. —IEEE Spectrum, 13 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin torquēre to twist

Noun (2)

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

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1959, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1695, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing torque

• torque converter

Medical Definition

torque

1 of 2 noun

ˈtȯrk 

: 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

torque

2 of 2 transitive verb

torqued; torquing

: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as a tooth about its long axis)