Word Study
Torus
WORDNET DICTIONARY
Noun Torus has 2 senses
- torus(n = noun.shape) toroid - a ring-shaped surface generated by rotating a circle around an axis that does not intersect the circle; Array has particulars: core, magnetic core
- torus(n = noun.artifact) tore - commonly the lowest molding at the base of a column; Array is a kind of molding, moulding
is a kind of round shape
CIDE DICTIONARY
Torus, n. [L., a round, swelling, or bulging place, an elevation. Cf. 3d Tore.].
- A large molding used in the bases of columns. Its profile is semicircular. See Illust. of Molding. Brande & C. [1913 Webster]
- One of the ventral parapodia of tubicolous annelids. It usually has the form of an oblong thickening or elevation of the integument with rows of uncini or hooks along the center. See Illust. under Tubicolæ. [1913 Webster]
- The receptacle, or part of the flower on which the carpels stand. [1913 Webster]
- The surface described by the circumference of a circle revolving about a straight line in its own plane. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
Torus, n. (pl. tori)
1 Archit. a large convex bun-shaped moulding esp. as the lowest part of the base of a column.
2 Bot. the receptacle of a flower.
3 Anat. a smooth ridge of bone or muscle.
4 Geom. a surface or solid formed by rotating a closed curve, esp. a circle, about a line in its plane but not intersecting it.
1 Archit. a large convex bun-shaped moulding esp. as the lowest part of the base of a column.
2 Bot. the receptacle of a flower.
3 Anat. a smooth ridge of bone or muscle.
4 Geom. a surface or solid formed by rotating a closed curve, esp. a circle, about a line in its plane but not intersecting it.
Etymology
L, = swelling, bulge, cushion, etc.
For further exploring for "Torus" in Webster Dictionary Online
