Torch
/tɔːrtʃ/noun
A portable burning stick or flame used for light.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from Latin *torca* / *tortica*, a twisted thing, which fits the old reality of torches made from twisted, pitch-soaked material that carried flame.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
torca / tortica
“A twisted thing; a twist or coil.”
Old French
Old French
torche
“A torch; a bundle of twisted material for burning.”
Middle English
English
torche
“A burning brand or light.”
Modern English
English
torch
“A portable burning light source.”