1. torsion(n = noun.shape) contortion, crookedness, tortuosity, tortuousness - a tortuous and twisted shape or position; "they built a tree house in the tortuosities of its boughs"; "the acrobat performed incredible contortions"
is a kind of distorted shape, distortion
2. torsion(n = noun.phenomenon) torque - a twisting force;
is a kind of force
has particulars: magnetic moment, moment of a magnet
1. The act of turning or twisting, or the state of being twisted; the twisting or wrenching of a body by the exertion of a lateral force tending to turn one end or part of it about a longitudinal axis, while the other is held fast or turned in the opposite direction. [1913 Webster]
2. That force with which a thread, wire, or rod of any material, returns, or tends to return, to a state of rest after it has been twisted; torsibility. [1913 Webster]
torsion, n.
1 twisting, esp. of one end of a body while the other is held fixed.
2 Math. the extent to which a curve departs from being planar.
3 Bot. the state of being twisted into a spiral.
4 Med. the twisting of the cut end of an artery after surgery etc. to impede bleeding.
Idiom:
torsion balance an instrument for measuring very weak forces by their effect upon a system of fine twisted wire. torsion bar a bar forming part of a vehicle suspension, twisting in response to the motion of the wheels, and absorbing their vertical movement. torsion pendulum a pendulum working by rotation rather than by swinging.
Derivative:
torsional adj. torsionally adv. torsionless adj.
Etymology:
ME f. OF f. LL torsio -onis f. L tortio (as TORT)
N convolution, winding, convolution, involution, circumvolution, wave, undulation, tortuosity, anfractuosity, sinuosity, sinuation, meandering, circuit, circumbendibus, twist, twirl, windings and turnings, ambages, torsion, inosculation, reticulation, rivulation, roughness, coil, roll, curl, buckle, spiral, helix, corkscrew, worm, volute, rundle, tendril, scollop, scallop, escalop, kink, ammonite, snakestone, serpent, eel, maze, labyrinth, knot, convoluted, winding, twisted, tortile, tortive, wavy, undated, undulatory, circling, snaky, snake-like, serpentine, serpent, anguill, vermiform, vermicular, mazy, tortuous, sinuous, flexuous, anfractuous, reclivate, rivulose, scolecoid, sigmoid, sigmoidal, spiriferous, spiroid, involved, intricate, complicated, perplexed, labyrinth, labyrinthic, labyrinthian, labyrinthine, peristaltic, daedalian, kinky, knotted, wreathy, frizzly, crepe, buckled, raveled, spiral, coiled, helical, cochleate, cochleous, screw-shaped, turbinated, turbiniform, in and out, round and round, a can of worms, Gordian knot.
torsion balance, torsion electrometer, torsion galvanometer, torsion head, torsion indicator, torsion meter