torques: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2/RareAcademic/Historical/Technical
Quick answer
What does “torques” mean?
A twisted metal collar or neck ring, typically of gold or bronze, worn as an ornament chiefly by ancient Gauls, Britons, and other Celtic peoples.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A twisted metal collar or neck ring, typically of gold or bronze, worn as an ornament chiefly by ancient Gauls, Britons, and other Celtic peoples.
In physics and engineering, it refers to a measure of the force that can cause an object to rotate about an axis (though the standard spelling is 'torque' for this meaning). 'Torques' as a plural can refer to multiple historical neck rings or, less commonly, to multiple measurements of rotational force.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both dialects use the term primarily in archaeological contexts.
Connotations
In both dialects, the word carries connotations of antiquity, Celtic culture, and archaeological discovery.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, confined to specialist texts.
Grammar
How to Use “torques” in a Sentence
The torques date from...The museum displays torques found at...She wore torques as a sign of status.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
The paper analyses the metallurgical composition of Late Bronze Age torques from hoards in south-west Britain.
Everyday
Almost never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Ensure the drive shaft can withstand the maximum torques applied during operation. (Note: here it is the plural of the physics term 'torque')
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “torques”
- Using 'torque' (singular physics term) when referring to a single historical neck ring (correct: 'a torc' or 'a torque').
- Pronouncing it as two syllables /tɔːks/ (correct: /ˈtɔː.kwɪz/).
- Misspelling as 'torqs' or 'torks'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but it's very rare. In physics/engineering, 'torque' is often a mass noun. 'Torques' is far more common as the plural for the historical jewellery item (torc).
They refer to the same object. 'Torc' is the more common modern spelling in archaeology for the neck ring. 'Torque' is the Latin-derived spelling. Both are correct.
As two syllables: TOR-kwiz. The 'qu' is pronounced /kw/, not /k/.
Almost never. It is a highly specialised term. In a non-specialist context, you would describe it as a 'twisted metal collar' or 'Celtic neck ring'.
A twisted metal collar or neck ring, typically of gold or bronze, worn as an ornament chiefly by ancient Gauls, Britons, and other Celtic peoples.
Torques is usually academic/historical/technical in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine TORching QUaint Celtic neck rings. The 'tor' makes you think of ancient hill forts (like Tor Hill), and 'ques' sounds like 'quest' – you're on a quest for ancient jewellery.
Conceptual Metaphor
WEALTH IS A BURDEN (heavy gold torques); STATUS IS ENCIRCLEMENT (the ring signifies rank).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'torques' most accurately used?