1
: the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of forces tending to turn one end or part about a longitudinal axis while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction
also
: the state of being twisted
2
: the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis
3
: the reactive torque that an elastic solid exerts by reason of being under torsion
torsionally
adverb
tor·sion·al
variants
or less commonly tortional
-shənᵊl,
-shnəl
: of, relating to, causing, or resulting from torsion
torsionally
adverb
-ᵊl|ē,
-əl|,
|i
Examples of torsion in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
The trailer maintains 17 inches (43 cm) of ground clearance with help from its 3,500-lb dual-torsion-axle suspension and includes electromagnetic drum brakes for improved stopping power.
—C.c. Weiss
may 22, New Atlas, 22 May 2026
If the torsion isn't treated with emergency care, the ovarian tissue can die and cause a patient to lose that ovary.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
The experiment relied on a sensitive piece of equipment known as a torsion balance, a device that senses minute forces by measuring the twisting angle, or torsion, of metal masses suspended on a thin fiber, which must be operated in a vacuum.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for torsion
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Noun
The shoe features a mesh upper, lockdown ankle support, a torsion plate for improved stability, 5GEN cushioning, and Goodyear rubber to help with traction.
—Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 26 May 2026
The trailer maintains 17 inches (43 cm) of ground clearance with help from its 3,500-lb dual-torsion-axle suspension and includes electromagnetic drum brakes for improved stopping power.
—C.c. Weiss
may 22, New Atlas, 22 May 2026
If the torsion isn't treated with emergency care, the ovarian tissue can die and cause a patient to lose that ovary.
—Zoey Lyttle, PEOPLE, 13 May 2026
The experiment relied on a sensitive piece of equipment known as a torsion balance, a device that senses minute forces by measuring the twisting angle, or torsion, of metal masses suspended on a thin fiber, which must be operated in a vacuum.
—Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for torsion
Cite this Entry
“Torsion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/torsion. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
torsion
noun
tor·sion
ˈtȯr-shən 
1
: the act or process of turning or twisting
2
: the state of being twisted
Medical Definition
torsion
noun
tor·sion
ˈtȯr-shən
1
: the twisting of a bodily organ or part on its own axis
intestinal torsion
2
: the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of forces tending to turn one end or part about a longitudinal axis while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction
also
: the state of being twisted
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