torsion

views updated May 11 2018

tor·sion / ˈtôrshən/ • n. the action of twisting or the state of being twisted, esp. of one end of an object relative to the other. ∎  Math. the extent to which a curve departs from being planar. ∎  Zool. (in a gastropod mollusk) the spontaneous twisting of the visceral hump through 180° during larval development.DERIVATIVES: tor·sion·al / -shənl/ adj.tor·sion·al·ly / -shənl-ē/ adv.tor·sion·less adj.

torsion

views updated May 08 2018

torsion
1. The effect of twisting an object in opposite directions from either end. Torsion tests, using rod-shaped samples, allow stable ductile deformation to be studied up to large strain states.

2. In Gastropoda, the twisting of the body through 180° so that the digestive and nervous systems have a U-shape and the mantle cavity, anus, gills, and two nephridiopores (excretory openings) occupy an anterior position behind the head.

torsion

views updated May 18 2018

torsion In Gastropoda, the twisting of the body through 180 degrees so that the digestive and nervous systems have a U shape and the mantle cavity, anus, gills, and two nephridiopores (see NEPHRIDIUM) occupy an anterior position behind the head.

torsion

views updated May 29 2018

torsion †griping XV; twisting, twist XVI. — (O)F. — late L. torsiō, -ōn-, by-form of tortiō, f. tort-, pp. stem of torqūere twist.

torsion

views updated May 11 2018

torsion (tor-shŏn) n. twisting. See also tibial torsion.