Torque

/tɔɹk/ noun, verb

noun, verb ·Moderate ·College level

Meaning at a glance

  • Primary sense: A rotational or twisting effect of a force; a moment of force, defined for measurement purposes as an equivalent straight line force multiplied by the distance from the axis of rotation (SI unit newton-metre or N·m; imperial unit pound-foot or lb·ft, not to be confused with the foot pound-force, commonly "foot-pound", a unit of work or energy)
  • Grammar: torque is listed as noun, verb.
  • Nearest alternatives: anklet, armlet, bangle, bead.
  • Useful contrasts: loosen, no turning effect, undo.
  • Usage evidence: If the torque is too high, the shaft might break. That's why we are using a shear splint as a torque limiter.

How to use "torque"

  1. Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
  2. Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "torque" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
  3. Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.

Meaning check

  • Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
  • Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
  • Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
  • Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?

Source and review context

This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "torque" in a final draft.

If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.

Before you rely on this definition

Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "torque" as the right word for your sentence.

If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "torque" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.

Compare nearby meanings

  • Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
  • Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
  • Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
  • Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.

Definition decision workflow

1. Identify the role

Check whether "torque" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.

2. Test the nearest option

Compare it with "anklet" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.

3. Confirm with context

Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.

Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.

Final meaning check

Before publishing a sentence with "torque", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.

When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A rotational or twisting effect of a force; a moment of force, defined for measurement purposes as an equivalent straight line force multiplied by the distance from the axis of rotation (SI unit newton-metre or N·m; imperial unit pound-foot or lb·ft, not to be confused with the foot pound-force, commonly "foot-pound", a unit of work or energy) countable, uncountable

    "The relative strengths of the various torques will depend on both the spacecraft environment and the form and structure of the spacecraft itself."

  2. 2
    A tightly braided necklace or collar, often made of metal, worn by various early European peoples. historical

    "But there are the lesser sub-kings of Wales, true to the immemorial schisms amongst themselves, which destroyed the realm of Ambrosius, and rendered vain the arm of Arthur. With their torques of gold, and wild eyes, and hair cut round ears and brow, they stare on the scene."

  3. 3
    a twisting force wordnet
Verb
  1. 1
    To make something rotate about an axis by imparting torque to it.

Antonyms

loosenno turning effectundozero torque

Example

"If the torque is too high, the shaft might break. That's why we are using a shear splint as a torque limiter."

Common questions

What does "torque" mean?

A rotational or twisting effect of a force; a moment of force, defined for measurement purposes as an equivalent straight line force multiplied by the distance from the axis of rotation (SI unit newton-metre or N·m; imperial unit pound-foot or lb·ft, not to be confused with the foot pound-force, commonly "foot-pound", a unit of work or energy)

What is a synonym for "torque"?

Common synonyms include: anklet, armlet, bangle, bead, beads, bijou.

How do you use "torque" in a sentence?

If the torque is too high, the shaft might break. That's why we are using a shear splint as a torque limiter.

How do you pronounce "torque"?

Pronounced /tɔɹk/.

Etymology

Etymology 1

Borrowed from Latin torqueō (“to twist”).

Etymology 2

From French torque, from Old French, from Latin torquis; or adapted directly from Latin torquēs (“chaplet, collar, necklace of twisted metal, ring, wreath”) (cf. earlier English torques).

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