torque
n. uncountablen. a force that causes something to turn or twist. You usually hear this word when people talk about how powerful a car engine is.
n. a twisting force that tends to cause rotation around an axis. Often measured in Newton-metres or pound-feet to quantify the rotational output of an engine or motor.
The electric car produces a lot of torque from a standing start.
You need a wrench with a long handle to apply enough torque to loosen that rusted bolt.
High-performance diesel engines are prized for their low-end torque, which allows them to pull heavy loads efficiently without needing to reach high revolutions per minute.
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).
Uncountable when referring to the physical force; countable when referring to specific measurements or types of rotational force.