torsion
Americannoun
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the act of twisting.
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the state of being twisted.
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Mechanics.
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the twisting of a body by two equal and opposite torques.
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the internal torque so produced.
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Mathematics.
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the degree of departure of a curve from a plane.
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a number measuring this.
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noun
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the twisting of a part by application of equal and opposite torques at either end
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the condition of twist and shear stress produced by a torque on a part or component
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the act of twisting or the state of being twisted
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The stress on an object when torque is applied to it.
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A mathematical operation in geometry measuring how tightly a plane is twisted.
Other Word Forms
- torsional adjective
- torsionally adverb
Etymology
Origin of torsion
1375–1425; 1535–45 torsion for def. 1; late Middle English torcion wringing one's bowels < Old French torsion < Late Latin torsiōn- (stem of torsiō ) torment, equivalent to tors ( us ) twisted ( torse ) + -iōn- -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Instead of relying on a separate field, mass may result from torsion within extra-dimensional geometry itself.
From Science Daily • Dec. 15, 2025
There was nothing unusual in their collision, but a coincidence of torsion and tension ruptured Roigard’s patella tendon.
From BBC • Oct. 30, 2024
In the months after her surgery, the band that constricted her stomach slipped and she developed gastric torsion.
From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 24, 2023
The intestinal torsion meant the dolphin’s intestines had twisted so deeply in an area that made it impossible to reach through surgery.
From Seattle Times • Nov. 13, 2021
She disabled a third siege weapon by sawing through the torsion ropes, which should give the Argo II a clear approach from the north.
From "Blood of Olympus" by Rick Riordan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.