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

Engine and Mileage The 2025 Yukon 4WD AT4 Ultimate w/SC comes equipped with a supercharged 6.2L V8 engine that produces around 420 horsepower and 460 lb-ft of torque. —Josh Max, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025

The mill, which is mated to a four-speed manual, makes 280 hp and 350 ft lbs of torque. —Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 26 Mar. 2025

Verb

In Rubens’s version, Adam leans strenuously forward, his midsection torqued in a desperate effort to divert Eve’s glazed eyes from temptation. —Rebecca Mead, The New Yorker, 17 Mar. 2025

For example, these systems check paint coatings for microscopic air bubbles or uneven textures that could lead to rust and verify that all bolts are in place and torqued correctly before a car leaves the production line. —Cory McNeley, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025

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

Rhymes for torque

• bork
• dork
• fork
• pork
• stork
• pitchfork

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)