torch

Definitions

From Old French *torche*, ultimately from Latin *torqua/torquēre* (twist): a torch was originally a bundle of twisted straw or fibres dipped in tar and lit. The 'twist' lies in how it was made — a flame born from twisted material.

Why It Means This

Torch hides a torquēre 'twist' inside it: old torches were made by twisting straw or rope together before soaking and lighting them. The made-from-twisting origin is invisible today, but it explains why a 'twist' root sits behind a word about fire.

Common Collocations

• 1.Olympic torch奥运火炬
• 2.carry the torch传承精神／举起火炬
• 3.torch relay火炬传递
• 4.shine a torch用手电筒照射

Example Sentences

• 1.

  She lit a torch to find her way through the cave.

• 2.

  The runner carried the Olympic torch into the stadium.

• 3.

  Vandals torched three cars in the parking lot overnight.