Torque
/tɔːrk/noun
A twisting force that causes rotation.
Did you know?Torque is related to Latin torquēre, “to twist,” the same root behind torture, tortuous, and distort, all carrying the ancient idea of something wrenched out of shape.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*terk-
“to twist, turn”
Latin
Latin
torquēre
“to twist, turn, wrench”
Late Latin
Latin
torques
“a twisted neck-ring or collar”
Middle French
Old French
torque
“a torque, a twisted collar or necklace”
17th Century
English
torque
“a twisted collar or neck ornament”
19th Century
English
torque
“the turning effect of a force”