torsion

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 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.
2. 2
   A finite order element of a group that, when raised to a positive integer power results in the identity element of the group.
3. 3
   An element of a homology or cohomology group for which there exists a non-zero integer that, when the element is multiplied by that integer, yields zero.
4. 4
   A type of holistic complimentary medicine that involves balancing theoretical energy fields through energy healing, meditation, and similar practices.
5. 5
   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.
6. 6
   The stopping of arterial haemorrhage in certain cases, by twisting the cut end of the artery.

Verb

1. 1
   To subject to torsion.