torque

1 of 3

noun (1)

1
: a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion
an automobile engine delivers torque to the drive shaft
also : a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation
2
: a turning or twisting force

torque

2 of 3

verb

torqued; torquing

transitive verb

: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)
torquer noun

torque

3 of 3

noun (2)

variants or torc
: a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons

Examples of torque in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Noun
For the 456, Ferrari bestowed it with a 5.5-liter naturally aspirated V12 that made 436 horsepower and more than 400 lb-ft of torque, which is more than adequate for hustling across the continent. Christian Gilbertsen, Robb Report, 21 Nov. 2024 Under the hood sits a supercharged, 5.6-liter V12 engine producing 660 bhp and 730 Nm of torque – figures up significantly from the standard car’s 285 bhp and 431 Nm. Alistair Charlton, Forbes, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
Likewise, being too heavy-handed or trying to torque the screw too quickly can have the same effect. Terry Baddoo, USA TODAY, 30 Apr. 2024 But the Mercedes one-ups the Rivian by integrating a low-range gear reduction—a staple for any hardcore 4x4—that multiplies torque for rock crawling, dune bashing or other lower-speed situations. IEEE Spectrum, 13 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for torque 

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin torquēre to twist

Noun (2)

French, from Latin torques, from torquēre to twist — more at torture entry 1

First Known Use

Noun (1)

circa 1884, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1959, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1695, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of torque was in 1695

Dictionary Entries Near torque

Cite this Entry

“Torque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torque. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

torque

1 of 2 noun
: a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion
also : a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation

torque

2 of 2 transitive verb
torqued; torquing
: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as a tooth about its long axis)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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