torch
/tɔːtʃ/
noun
Origin
Latin
torquere — to twist
Overview
Meaning Now
- A portable battery-powered light source.
- A portable source of flame, typically consisting of a combustible material attached to the end of a pole.
Literal older meaning
Something twisted (referring to the twisted tow or fabric soaked in resin used for the flame).
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
torche
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
Originally, a torch was a bundle of twisted tow or fabric dipped in resin or wax. The term is etymologically linked to the act of twisting, which was necessary to create a firm core for the combustible material to burn slowly.
Evolution
- Proto-Indo-European
*terkʷ-
“to twist”
- Vulgar Latin
*torca
“twisted thing / torch”
Derived from the past participle of torquere
- Old French
torche
“torch / bundle of straw”
- Middle English
torche
“a light consisting of combustible material”
Connections
Word parts
torch
root
a light held in the hand
Related across languages
French
torche
torch
Italian
torcia
torch
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.