Torque is a force that causes something to spin around a central point such as an axle.
[technical]
torque in British English
(tɔːk)
noun
1. Also: torc
a necklace or armband made of twisted metal, worn esp by the ancient Britons and Gauls
2.
any force or system of forces that causes or tends to cause rotation
3.
the ability of a shaft to cause rotation
Word origin
C19: from Latin torquēs necklace, and torquēre to twist
torque in American English
(tɔrk)
noun
1.
a twisted metal collar or necklace worn by ancient Teutons, Gauls, Britons, etc.
2. Physics
a measure of the tendency of a force to cause rotation, equal to the force multiplied by the perpendicular distance between the line of action of the force and the center of rotation
abbrev. T
3. Popularly
the force that acts to produce rotation, as in an automotive vehicle
verb transitiveWord forms: torqued or ˈtorquing
4.
to give or impart torque to; cause to turn or twist
Word origin
< L torques (infl. in senses 2 & 3 by torquere): see torques
torque in Mechanical Engineering
(tɔrk)
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Mechanics and dynamics)
Torque is the ability of a shaft to cause rotation.
You generate torque when you apply a force using a wrench.
A handle allows a user to apply torque to the central pendulum to start the system.
Torque is the ability of a shaft to cause rotation.
PronunciationNote that torque only has one syllable. It comes from the Latin torquere, which means 'to twist'.
Examples of 'torque' in a sentence
torque
The difference is in the way its power and torque are delivered.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It also has an electronic differential that distributes torque power between the rear wheels.
The Sun (2013)
But not as wearing as the torque steer.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
It then provides the optimum steering torque to help keep the vehicle in the centre of the lane.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
And the power and torque of the engine are so great that the team has designed a bespoke sequential gearbox.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors produce maximum torque from zero revs.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
This can boost engine power and torque by up to 30%.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
The result is that you'll gain more power and torque.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
It doesn't move the needle very much when it comes to power or torque.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You still get torque steer and the wheel doesn't half feel weird in the bends.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
There is no wild torque steer under hard acceleration, thanks to a new steering system.
The Sun (2013)
The diesel engine is quiet and refined considering the cost of the car but it lacks low-down torque.
The Sun (2015)
The gearbox may have only five speeds, but with so much torque you rarely need it to change.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The car handles with assurance and the adaptive 4x4 system means no more of the torque steer that plagued previous models.
The Sun (2009)
The gearbox has only five speeds, but with that much torque, who needs more?
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
It does 0-62mph in five seconds but what makes it a joy to drive is it's depth of power and torque.
The Sun (2006)
The names of the roles are colourful; the grinder is the muscle, putting out enough torque to control the huge wind sail.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
More importantly, since riders are more interested in acceleration than maximum speed, that power and torque are available across the whole rev range.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
All related terms of 'torque'
torque meter
a device designed to determine the torque or torsion in a shaft , usually by measuring the twist in a calibrated length of shafting
torque wrench
a type of wrench with a gauge attached to indicate the torque applied to the workpiece
torque spanner
a spanner having a torque-limiting mechanism which can be set to a predetermined value
torque converter
a hydraulic device for the smooth transmission of power in which an engine-driven impeller transmits its momentum to a fluid held in a sealed container , which in turn drives a rotor
torsion meter
a device designed to determine the torque or torsion in a shaft , usually by measuring the twist in a calibrated length of shafting
hydraulic coupling
a hydraulic device for the smooth transmission of power in which an engine-driven impeller transmits its momentum to a fluid held in a sealed container, which in turn drives a rotor