# tore

/ˈtɔɹ/ (US) · /tˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tore
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 2. a ring shape

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

a shape like a doughnut or a ring; in buildings, it is a rounded part at the bottom of a column.

For teachers: a variant of 'torus', referring to a surface or solid formed by rotating a circle around an axis; in architecture, a large convex moulding.

- The architect pointed out the decorative tore at the base of the stone pillar.
- The classical column featured a prominent tore above the plinth, providing a visual transition between the base and the shaft.

Usage: Often spelled 'torus' in modern technical contexts.

### 3. dead grass

noun · CEFR C2 · Dialect

dead grass that stays on a field during the winter.

For teachers: the dead grass remaining on mowing land or pasture during the winter and spring seasons.

- The sheep searched through the winter tore for any bits of green growth.
- By late March, the fields were still covered in a thick layer of brown tore, awaiting the first true warmth of spring.

## Examples

- He accidentally tore his shirt on the fence.
- She tore the letter into tiny pieces and threw them into the bin after reading the bad news.
- The heavy winds tore the old canvas awning from its frame, leaving the storefront exposed to the sudden downpour that followed the storm.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.