torque
1. torque \'to.(*)rk\ n [F, fr. L torques, fr. torque-re to twist - more at TORTURE] : a usu. metal collar or neck chain worn by the ancient Gauls, Germans, an d Britons 2. torque n [L torque-re to twist] : something that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion and whos e effectiveness is measured by the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation; broadly : a turning or twisting force