1. A rotatory force. 2. In dentistry, a torsion force applied to a tooth to produce or maintain crown or root movement. [L. torqueo, to twist]
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torque 'tȯrk n a force that produces or tends to produce rotation or torsion also a measure of the effectiveness of such a force that consists of the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from the line of action of the force to the axis of rotation
torque vt, torqued; torqu·ing to impart torque to: cause to twist (as a tooth about its long axis)
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(tork) [L. torquēre to twist] 1. a rotatory force causing part of a structure to twist about an axis. Symbol τ. 2. the rotation of a tooth on its long axis, especially moving the root apex in a buccal or lingual direction through the application of force produced by torsion within the arch wire. See also torsion.Medical dictionary. 2011.