Meaning & use
torque
Last updated
Meanings
noununcountable
A force that causes an object to rotate around a point or axis.
Grammar: Used as an uncountable noun when talking about the general concept: 'Torque is measured in newton-meters.'
Patterns
- torque of something
- apply torque
- produce torque
The engine delivers maximum torque at low speeds.
To loosen the bolt, you need to apply more torque.
The torque of the motor is enough to turn the heavy wheel.
nouncountable
A measured amount of rotational force, often given as a specification for tightening bolts.
Grammar: Countable when referring to a specific value: 'a torque of 50 Nm'.
Patterns
- a torque of [number]
- tighten to a torque
- check the torque
Tighten the nut to a torque of 90 newton-meters.
The manual lists the correct torque for each bolt.
Always use a wrench to check the torque on the wheel nuts.
Word forms
| plural | torques |
|---|
Common combinations
- torque wrench
- He used a torque wrench to tighten the bolts precisely.
- high torque
- This electric motor provides high torque at low speeds.
- torque converter
- The car's automatic transmission has a torque converter.
- maximum torque
- The engine reaches maximum torque at 4,000 rpm.
Synonyms and how they differ
- moment
- In physics, 'moment' is a broader term for a force causing rotation; 'torque' is the specific term for rotational force.
- twisting force
- A descriptive phrase rather than a technical term; use 'torque' in scientific or engineering contexts.
Word family
- torqued adjective
- Having been twisted or tightened with torque; also informal for 'angry'.
Commonly confused: torque or power?
torque vs power
Power measures how quickly work is done, while torque measures rotational force alone. An engine can have high torque but low power if it turns slowly.
Practice
The mechanic used a special wrench to apply the correct ___ to the bolt.
Choose one answer.
Torque is the rotational force applied to a bolt. Power measures how quickly work is done, energy is the capacity to do work, and speed is how fast something moves—none fit the context of tightening a bolt.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “torque”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.