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
torqued; torquing
: to impart torque to : cause to twist (as about an axis)
torquer
noun
variants
or torc
: a usually metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, and Britons
Cite this Entry
“Torque.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torque. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
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