Etymology Borrowed from Latin torqueō (“to twist”).
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Engineering, Mechanical engineering, Mechanics, Natural sciences, Physical sciences, Physics A rotational or twisting effect of a force; a moment of force, defined for measurement purposes as an equivalent straight line force multiplied by the distance from the axis of rotation (SI unit newton-metre or N·m; imperial unit pound-foot or lb·ft, not to be confused with the foot pound-force, commonly "foot-pound", a unit of work or energy)
The relative strengths of the various torques will depend on both the spacecraft environment and the form and structure of the spacecraft itself.1978, James Richard Wertz, Spacecraft Attitude Determination and Control, Springer, page 17:
The drillhead produces the drilling rotation and torque but also must slide out of position to allow the machine to manipulate the finisher drill steel and consumables.2006, Department of Mining Engineering, Proceedings: 35th International Conference on Ground Control in Mining, volume 25, West Virginia University, page 162:
Etymology From French torque, from Old French, from Latin torquis; or adapted directly from Latin torquēs (“chaplet, collar, necklace of twisted metal, ring, wreath”) (cf. earlier English torques).
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Historical A tightly braided necklace or collar, often made of metal, worn by various early European peoples.
But there are the lesser sub-kings of Wales, true to the immemorial schisms amongst themselves, which destroyed the realm of Ambrosius, and rendered vain the arm of Arthur. With their torques of gold, and wild eyes, and hair cut round ears and brow, they stare on the scene.1848, [Edward Bulwer-Lytton], Harold, the Last of the Saxon Kings; […], 2nd edition, volume I, London: Richard Bentley, […], →OCLC, book III (The House of Godwin), page 185:
People of high rank also wore a torque of gold round the neck, and I observed that our guide had one on.1887, H[enry] Rider Haggard, chapter XII, in Allan Quatermain […], London: Longmans, Green, and Co., →OCLC:
2 more examples
“When I see mother next it will be to put a golden torque round her neck,” said the young giant.1911, Arthur Conan Doyle, Giant Maximin:
Nor did he reneg, but doled out rings and torques at the table.1999, Seamus Heaney, Beowulf, London: Faber and Faber, page 5: