Torsion

/ˈtɔːrʃən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of twisting or the state of being twisted, especially the axial twisting of an object.

The engineer discussed the torsion in the metal beam due to the applied forces.

A twist or the condition of a structure resulting from applied torque.

The torsion experienced by the bridge during high winds raised concerns about its structural integrity.

In differential geometry, a measure of the deviation of a curve from being planar.

The torsion of the curve indicated how much it twisted in three-dimensional space.

Late Middle English: from Latin torsio(n-), from torvere meaning 'to twist'.

torsion balance

A device used to measure the torsional force.

torsion bar

A bar that aids in suspension by resisting twisting.

torsion spring

A spring that exerts a torque when twisted.

torque

A measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis.

twist

To turn or wind something into a specific shape or position.

spiral

A curve that emanates from a point, moving farther away as it revolves around the point.

In sports, the term used for twisting movements.

He really put some torsion into that jump during the competition.