Definitions
01twisting force
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun Science Technical
n. a force that causes something to rotate or turn around a point.
n. the rotational equivalent of linear force, measured as the product of the force and the distance from the axis of rotation.
“The engine produces a lot of torque, which helps the car accelerate quickly from a stop.”
“The mechanic applied additional torque to the bolt using a longer wrench, ensuring the wheel was securely fastened to the axle assembly.”
Usage
Uncountable when referring to the general physical property; countable when referring to a specific measurement.
02ancient necklace
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Archaic
n. a stiff, twisted metal ring worn around the neck by ancient people.
n. a large neck ring made of twisted metal, typically gold or bronze, worn by ancient Celts and other European peoples.
“The museum displayed a heavy gold torque found in an ancient grave.”
“Archaeologists discovered a beautifully preserved silver torque, suggesting the burial site belonged to a high-ranking member of the local tribe.”
Usage
Often spelled 'torc' in archaeological contexts.
Synonyms
03to apply twisting force
C1 · Advanced Science Technical
v. to twist or turn something using force.
v. to apply a rotational force to an object; to cause an object to rotate about an axis.
“You need to torque the screws evenly so the lid fits perfectly.”
“The structural engineer specified that each bolt must be torqued to a precise value to maintain the integrity of the bridge span.”
Usage
Transitive verb requiring a direct object.
Real-World Examples
“While the implementation bugged me, the concept made a certain degree of sense; most e-bikes now know your cadence, how much torque you’re generating, and how that power is being translated into speed.” “Besides pulling material away from the star, those forces also apply torque, causing the star to rotate faster after each close encounter.” Etymology
Borrowed from Latin torqueō (“to twist”).
From French torque, from Old French, from Latin torquis; or adapted directly from Latin torquēs (“chaplet, collar, necklace of twisted metal, ring, wreath”) (cf. earlier English torques).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Idioms
01. torque off
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/torque
「カタカナ語」 data: JMdict (EDRDG), CC BY-SA 4.0