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
Also called: hydraulic coupling
torque converter in American English
a hydraulic device for transferring and increasing torque: an essential component of an automatic transmission in a motor vehicle
torque converter in Automotive Engineering
(tɔrk kənvɜrtər)
Word forms: (regular plural) torque converters
noun
(Automotive engineering: Vehicle components, Engine, transmission, and exhaust)
A torque converter is a device that transmits torque (= twisting force) from one shaft to another.
The torque converter is generally used with automatic transmissions, where it serves as a hydraulic clutch.
The torque converter gives the car more torque when it accelerates out of a stop.
In place of a clutch, the car uses a torque converter to transfer power from the engine's flywheel to the transmission.
PronunciationNote that torque only has one syllable. It comes from the Latin torquere, which means 'to twist'.