Torsion is a twisting force that tries to rotate or turn something around its length, like wringing out a wet towel. When you twist a rubber band tighter and tighter before launching a model airplane, you're applying torsion. The rubber band stores that twisting energy and then releases it to spin the propeller.

Engineers and scientists pay close attention to torsion because it can break things if the force gets too strong. A car's drive shaft has to withstand torsion as it transfers the engine's power to the wheels. Even tall buildings can twist slightly from torsion during strong winds.

In medicine, torsion describes when something in the body twists dangerously, like when an intestine twists on itself. This kind of torsion can cut off blood flow and requires immediate medical attention.